Royal florist Simon Lycett names Albert Street winner of Warwick in Bloom from Home

Albert Street’s community planting has seen the street named the overall winner of Warwick in Bloom from Home.

Albert Street’s entry also won a gold medal and was named winner of the community planting category as more than 40 entrants competed for medal-winning status in this year’s all-digital event.

In judging the competition, the Warwick in Bloom team was joined by Simon Lycett, the internationally recognised floral stylist and florist to the Royal Households, as this year’s head judge.

Born and brought up in Warwick, Simon is today one of the UK’s most eminent event florists.

Simon and the In Bloom team also named the winners of the gardens category as Emma Rawlinson and David Richardson of West Street.

Ann Lettis of Eborall Close won the container planting category and Harvey Nijjar of Greville Road won the children’s planting category.

Following a switch to a digital photography format to adhere to social distancing guidelines, the competition attracted a multitude of entries and many new competitors.

In all, 18 gold medals, 14 silver-gilt medals, and 12 silver medals were awarded to residents and communities across Warwick.

Head judge Simon Lycett said: “I loved Albert Street’s entry and must especially recognise the true sense of a community its residents clearly showed in working together to take great pride in their street and creating a display of floral fabulousness.

"Having grown up in Warwick and with my love of floristry inspired by visiting the Warwick Horticultural Society Show as a youngster, it has been brilliant to be part of Warwick in Bloom this year and celebrate everyone’s achievements.

“In reviewing all the entrants, it’s evident that two key rewards of lockdown have been a revived sense of community and seeing how people have reappraised their outdoor spaces.

"From the photographs, videos and stories received from the In Bloom entrants it was inspiring to see how everyone has used their green spaces – be they big, small, in containers or little courtyards – to create a sanctuary and that is something very special during these times.”

Cllr Richard Eddy, chair of community culture at Warwick Town Council said: “Despite the restrictions of social distancing this year, we were determined to celebrate Warwick’s green-fingered residents planting and blooms this year, especially during a time when planting provided a solace for many under lockdown.

"It was on honour to be joined by Simon as head judge.

“His many years of floral expertise as the owner of Simon J Lycett Ltd, one of the UK’s most sought-after and well-known names in the floral industry, made judging a very special experience this year and Albert Street and all of this year’s winners should be very proud of their medals having being judged by a royal florist.”

Here is the full list of Warwick in Bloom from Home’s medal winners:

Category one - gardens

Emma Rawlinson and David Richardson, West Street - gold and category winner

David Howells, Archery Fields - gold

Nuala Stopps, Priory Walk - gold

Jenny Stephens, Charter Approach - Gold

Linda & Simon Garwood, West Street - gold

Diana and Liviu Marcu, Beaurevoir Way - gold

Mark Robertson, West Street - gold

Anthony Griffin - gold

Sally-Jane Downes, West Street - gold

Roy Glassborow, Purser Drive - gold

Stephanie Burdett - gold

John and Linda Edwards, High Street - silver-gilt

Jack Russell, Eborall Close - silver-gilt

Jayne and Kevin McHale, Castle Street - silver-gilt

Mark Cox, Wedgenock Green - silver-gilt

Peter and Elizabeth Round, Alderson House - silver-gilt

Jane Sault - silver-gilt

Hillary Mayman - silver-gilt

Mr & Mrs Furniss, Vine Lane - silver

Charles and Jane Jones, West Street - silver

Susan Connolly, Greville Road - silver

Margaret Lawson, Priory Walk - silver

Phil Langdon, New Bowling Green Pub - silver

Jackie Hanvey, Woodloes - silver

Category two - children

Harvey Nijjar, Greville Road - gold and category winner

Category three - container

Ann Lettis, Eborall Close - gold and category winner

Kathy Spackman, St John's Court - gold

John Fletcher, Glover Close - gold

Hill Close Gardens - gold

The Clarke Family, West St - silver-gilt

John Lingard, Hebden Avenue - silver-gilt

Anna Jones, Albert Street - silver-gilt

Janet Baldry, Park Cottage - silver-gilt

Carolyn Taylor, Narrow Hall Meadow - silver

Geoff Gower, Woodcote Road - silver

Liz Green, Neville Court - silver

Diana and Liviu Marcu, Beaurevoir Way - silver

Peter and Elizabeth Round, Alderson House - silver

Category 4 - community gardens

Albert Street - gold and category winner and overall winner 2020

The Guild Cottages, Bowling Green Street - gold

Rohan Gardens - silver-gilt

Woodcote Road - silver-gilt

Chase Meadow Garden Volunteers - silver-gilt

Liz Green, Neville Court - silver