Paddington has once again won the coveted Gold Award at this year’s London in Bloom Awards ceremony at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond on Thursday 20 September.
As one of nine entries in the Business Improvement District category, Paddington was awarded Gold along with London Bridge. Seven other BIDs competed winning a Bronze, five Silvers and a Silver Gilt.
Marisa Barrocas, PaddingtonNow Operation’s Manager and Miles Watson-Smyth, Managing Director of Window Flowers were presented the award by David Demoney, celebrity TV gardener and broadcaster at the event.
The BID was recognised for its efforts in improving the overall appearance of the area, and at the same time for using environmental and sustainable solutions to improve air quality, discourage anti-social behaviour and encourage community spirit.
The BID maintains 90 hanging baskets and 80 tubs and planters in the BID area with the invaluable help of Window Flowers. It also contributes to the structural and landscaping aspects of Norfolk Square Gardens, Talbot Square and Sussex Gardens.
Flower baskets and tubs did a fantastic job of cheering up Praed Street, each one strategically placed in areas with the most through-fare or areas in need of brightening up. It was this meticulous attention to detail that was recognised by Judges and the pots and planters were described as being maintained to a ‘very high quality’.
Judges noted the great efforts made by pubs, residents and businesses in the area, with special mention to The Prince of Wales pub for their roof top bee hives and bee friendly plants. The Pride of Paddington was praised for the flowers on the entire frontage of the pub, creating a significant visual improvement to the area.
A long running railing restoration and landscaping project on Sussex Gardens was acknowledged by judges as having provided the opportunity to replant the area with pollinator plants such as salvia, rosemary and lavender, it has also improved the appearance of the area and been helpful in combating the antisocial activity that the area was once associated with.
In further efforts to improve bio-diversity and the environment, the BID worked in collaboration with Westminster Council, Continental Landscapes and local volunteers to install sparrow boxes in the area’s green spaces. The BID also uses sustainable methods in order to maintain the environment, for example the flower borders in Norfolk Square Gardens are mulched with green waste supplied by the Royal Parks. In addition, many flower baskets that might otherwise be thrown away after large events are sourced, reused, and revived by the BID.
On October 19, the results for the national Royal Horticultural Society Competition, Britain in Bloom, will be announced. PaddingtonNow are finalists, representing London in its category and hopeful of making a good showing.
Enhancing and improving the environment continues to be a top priority for the BID and we will continue to work with Window Flowers and Westminster Council as well as many other stakeholders, businesses and residents involved.
Click here for the full list of London in Bloom results.
