We are pleased to announce the winners of Torus Foundation’s Gardening Competition 2022!

Earlier this year we asked all Torus tenants and residents to showcase the pride they take in their greenspaces – no matter the size – and enter Torus Foundation’s Garden Competition 2022.

The Foundation’s Youth and Community Development Officers – Rachel, Josh, Amy and Nicola – had the job of visiting the gardens of each and every entry to take photos and learn more about the people behind the gardens. All entries were then anonymously presented to a panel of Torus tenants who volunteer with Tenant Voice.

The judges were asked to select their ideal 1st, 2nd and 3rd place gardens and greenspaces for each category. All the votes were combined to give us the Torus Foundation Garden Competition Winners. 3rd place received a £25 shopping voucher, 2nd place a £50 shopping voucher and 1st place winners got a whopping £100 shopping voucher.

Small Space & Container Garden

• 1st Place – Geoff & Edna

Geoff & Edna love their bungalow and enjoy spending time in the garden and keeping it nice. They have created their own little paradise in their compact garden with lots of containers brimming with flowers.

• 2nd Place – Dorothy

Turning 80 this year, Dorothy has created an accessible wildlife haven with a pond to attract dragonflies and frogs, spaces for hedgehogs and bug hotels. Dorothy says “Pottering about looking after the plants is so therapeutic and relaxing”

• 3rd Place – Robert

Robert, who is disabled, has made the most of his front garden. The garden, which he proudly calls “Ivy’s Garden” is named after his wife who loved gardening.

Communal Garden

• 1st Place – Marwood Towers

Our judges were overwhelmed by Marwood residents, Albie & Graham’s, enthusiasm. Until they retired, Albie and Graham both worked in construction and have since used their skills and can-do attitude to transform Marwood Tower’s garden over the past 4 years.

• 2nd Place – Osbourne Court

There wasn’t a flower in sight at Osbourne Court 10 years ago but over time the residents have created a lovely garden for everyone to enjoy.

• 3rd Place – The Maples

This garden is a real team effort with the highlight being a pond home to 4 fish!

Individual Garden

• 1st Place – Helen

Modestly described in her entry as a ‘display of hanging baskets and planters in the front garden’, it was fair to say the Foundation was blown away and very surprised when they went to view it. There was such an array of colours and her lovely garden stood out from far away.

• 2nd Place – Peter

Peter’s wife is severely sight impaired and as her full-time carer Peter has made their garden a place she can enjoy despite her disability by using lots of bright and scented flowers.

• Joint 3rd Place – Karen

Rain or shine, Karen loves to potter in her small but colourful front garden with her dog, Daisy.

• Joint 3rd Place – Maureen & Arthur

Maureen & Arthur have handmade wooden ornaments for their garden, along with a bench for them to relax with their dog which they have engraved with all their names.

Innovative Garden

• 1st Place – David & Carol

Nothing gets wasted at David & Carol’s eco garden where the pair grow an abundance of onions, courgettes, lettuce and more. A large majority of materials used in the garden are recycled or repurposed along with the rainwater, which is collected to water all the plants.

• 2nd Place – Kayleigh & Josh

Josh (Kayleigh’s partner) has helped to transform the garden by building and fitting decking, putting up fencing and placing stone to transform their space.

Sheltered/Extra Care Garden

• 1st Place – Mazenod Court

From wasteland to an inner city oasis, the garden at Mazenod Court is admired by passers-by daily and is the hub for residents to meet and socialite during the summer months, surrounded by the myriad of colours on show from the flowers and shrubs. There is even a gazebo where residents can sit and talk when a sun shelter is required.

• 2nd Place – Mary

Everything in Mary’s garden, from the abundance of flowers to strings of solar lights, is designed to evoke positive emotions. And it does exactly that! Mary said “This is natural therapy for me mentally and physically.”

• 3rd Place – Alexander Court

Residents work throughout the year to make sure this space is one where they can enjoy the flowers grow, the fresh air, the sunshine, the peace and quiet, and each other’s company promoting a sense of wellbeing and positivity all around. There is even a remembrance setting area for residents to reflect on loved ones they have lost.

Overall winner – Marwood Towers

Out of all our 1st place winners, it was Marwood Towers that stood out the most. As Albie said “We have got ourselves a really good Haven at Marwood”, and we couldn’t agree more! Albie and Graham have been thrifty, turning wooden pallets into planters and tree stumps into seating. Flower beds have been created at different heights to make sure everyone can get involved and sandstone was even donated by Sir Ken Dodd’s wife, Lady Ann. Congratulations to Marwood Towers.

Thank you to everyone who entered our garden competition and to our judges.