DATES FOR 2025
Judging: 9 & 10 June
Presentation Evening: 27 June 

West Horsley in Bloom is an annual gardening competition which is open to all residents, businesses, and community groups. 

The aim of the competition is to encourage our community to showcase their gardens and outdoor environment, with an emphasis on imaginative use of flowers, shrubs, trees and landscaping, as well as sustainability and encouraging wildlife. A special children’s competition (Potatoes in the Pot) is included which aims to help them learn how things grow and where food comes from. West Horsley in Bloom also recognises the achievements and hard work that people in the community carry out to create beautiful and uplifting spaces in the village. 

 

2024 Winners

Best FRONT Garden – Rosemary Tribe

Best BACK Garden – Suzie Crosby

Best CONTAINER - Jeremy Miles

Best ALLOTMENT at Grace & Flavour - Helena & Steven Stuart-Matthews

Best NON-RESIDENTIAL Display - Not Awarded

SUSTAINABILITY Champion – Sandra Dunn

Best FIRST TIME Entry Cup - Suzie Crosby

Mike Chapman Memorial Cup for Best VEGETABLE PLOT - Not Awarded

Iliff Community Award – Grace & Flavour Community Garden

Judges' Prize – Matt Link at West Horsley Place

Roxburghe Cup (overall points winner) – Tom Suffolk

Junior Competition Cup (Potatoes in a Pot) - Rosie Herrington 

In addition, 17 Gold, 21 Silver Gilt, 13 Silver and 2 Bronze certificates were awarded. 

 

West Horsley in Bloom 2024 Report

Well, what a difference a year makes! In 2023, the West Horsley in Bloom judges were sweltering in the summer heat on judging days, this year it was a case of shivering in the chilly, damp wind whilst wearing scarves and gloves during the 8 hours of judging for this year’s competition. There were over 50 entries and the judges were particularly thrilled to have lots of new entrants from different parts of the village, as well as some from the new housing developments.

Despite the wet, cool weather we have experienced this year which had resulted in some plants being behind in their growing, other plants such as roses, foxgloves and delphiniums put on a fantastic show and it was a pleasure to view and appreciate such impressive and delightful gardens throughout the village.

The Presentation evening took place on 29th June at the Village Hall. The Deputy Mayor Councillor Howard Smith and his wife, the Deputy Mayoress, Mrs Debbie Smith were in attendance as well as WHPC Chairman Elaine Best, members of the Parish Council and Guildford Borough Council and all the competition entrants and their guests. Everyone was welcomed with drinks and canapes. This was then followed by the presentations of the award certificates, prizes and cups to the entrants for their wonderful efforts and which also included a large screen show of photographs showing all the winning gardens.

At the end of evening, Cllr Elaine Best thanked all those residents who had taken part, the West Horsley in Bloom Committee and especially the very generous competition sponsors: Spring Reach Nursery, Squire’s Garden Centre, Adam Aaronson Glass Studio, Plant Passion, Milloe Soft Furnishings, Artichoke Interiors, CT Cars, Timberwood Tree Care, The Surrey Gardener, Wimbledon Garden Services & WHPC without whom such a successful and enjoyable community event would not be possible.

Report by Heather Mason and Sarah Christiansen, WHIB 2024 Organisers 

Please click here for the Potatoes in the Pot Competition