This competition, organised by Thrive and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), is held in recognition of the skills of blind or partially-sighted gardeners. It is open to anyone who is blind or partially sighted whether they have just started gardening or have years of experience. This year’s theme was "Grow and Eat".
A celebratory event is being held on Tuesday 17 November at RNIB’s headquarters in London, and the prize winners will be presented with a host of generously donated gardening goodies.
The winners across three categories this year were:
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Blind Gardener of the Year
1st Jeremy Scott, Uckfield, East Sussex
2nd Caroline Wootton, Hucknall, Nottingham
3rd Nicholas Wood, Sevenoaks, Kent
•
Young Blind Gardener of the Year: under 18 years
1st Jack Barnes, aged 15, Hucknall, Nottingham
2nd Alfie Powell aged 12, Dover, Kent
3rd Luke Demaine, aged 14, Bradford, West Yorkshire
•
Blind Gardening Club or Group of the Year
1st Swale Pottage Group, Epsom, Surrey
2nd Henshaws College, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
3rd Sense East, Louth, Lincolnshire
Jeremy Scott, winner of the over 18 category, grows a large variety of fruit and vegetables to provide his family with food all year round. The keen gardener takes great pride in his work and is always careful to consider the environment - recycling and composting what he can and mixes his food plants with flowers to attract wildlife. Jeremy says: "Gardening has quite literally changed my life. Gardening gets me out in the open when otherwise I might be reluctant to leave the house, and it makes me very happy."
Jack Barnes, winner of the under 18 category, impressed judges with his delightfully written application, his enthusiasm and his obvious potential.
Gardening has given Jack, who also has cerebral palsy, an independence he would not normally have. His intense interest has also taught him to be calmer and less prone to outbursts and the fresh air and tiredness from gardening allows him to sleep better.
Jack writes: "I am not a fussy eater and so enjoy eating my produce. Eating five-a-day is good and all the staff and my friends at school love seeing and hearing about my veggies!"
Swale Pottage group scooped the top prize in the club or group category through their bright ideas, experimental growing and varied use of materials and produce. The group consists of blind and partially sighted gardeners, determined to enjoy gardening, relishing the challenges it brings and appreciating the value of self-reliance. Over the last year they have focused on composting, raw materials and growing vegetables and fruits as naturally as possible.
Carole Sharp, a member of the group, says: "Gardening is more than just a hobby to us; we have made friends through our research for new ideas, tips and techniques. In learning and sharing expertise we have ideas of our own which we wish to develop. Gardening builds our confidence and teaches us independence."
Nicola Carruthers, Chief Executive, Thrive says: "The standard of entries this year was exceptional. We are delighted at the innovative and creative ideas that so many blind and partially-sighted gardeners are using to overcome the challenges they face. This not only adds to their enjoyment of gardening but is inspirational to others."
Says Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive RNIB: "RNIB is proud to support this wonderful competition that enables blind and partially-sighted gardeners to share their ideas and techniques and that rewards them for their creativity. This year’s entrants’ fantastic tips will help more people to maintain their independence in the garden and goes to show that losing your sight doesn’t mean losing your ability to take part in gardening."
Find out more about
how Thrive can help blind and partially sighted gardeners