The annual Maldon in Bloom Gardening Competition celebrated the green efforts of local residents with a presentation evening last week (June 15).

Residents, schools, businesses, and community groups who help keep Maldon blooming enjoyed an evening opened and closed by the Town Mayor, Cllr John Driver.

Alongside Deputy Mayor and Chairman of Maldon in Bloom, Cllr James Burrell-Cook, the pair delivered a warm presentation of the awards.

Judges praised the exceptionally high standard of entries this year, particularly in light of the challenging growing conditions caused by prolonged dry weather.

A spokesperson for Maldon Town Council said: "Despite the lack of rainfall, gardeners across Maldon showed remarkable resilience and ingenuity, with many demonstrating a clear commitment to sustainable practices and creating havens for pollinators and wildlife.

"The creativity of the Junior entries stood out especially, as did the passion evident across every category – from colourful front gardens to well-tended allotments and vibrant community spaces."

Best in Category Winners 2025

• Junior Garden – Thomas Playfoot
• School Garden or Allotment and Winner of the Saad Cup – Wentworth Primary School
• Residential Care Home – Lodge Care Home • Allotments – Jean Whitehead
• Decorated Business – No Best in Category awarded this year
• Community Garden – Friary Walled Garden
• Flo Shaughnessy Award (New for 2025) – Our Wild Local Space (OWLS)
• Hanging Basket – Rebecca Williams
• Planter – Maureen Patient-Saunders
• Front Garden – Pauline Baker 

A new award was introduced this year in memory of long-standing volunteer, and past Chairman of Maldon in Bloom, Flo Shaughnessy.

The spokesperson added: "Flo was passionate about working with nature and tackling climate change, values reflected beautifully in the work of this year's winners, the Heybridge and Maldon Climate Action Partnership for their Our Wild Local Space (OWLS) project.

"Tucked away behind Norfolk Road and Washington Close, OWLS is a tranquil haven for wildlife and local residents, with more exciting developments planned. Our thanks go to Terry Shaughnessy, who presented this meaningful award in Flo's memory."

Another highlight was the Best Allotment award, presented to Jean Whitehead, who took on her plot following the sad passing of long-standing tenant and friend, Dave Bolton, in Autumn 2024. Dave had been a devoted gardener and a regular entrant to the competition

Although Jean inherited a blank canvas, her success was described as a "fitting tribute" to Dave's legacy.

Maldon Town Council has thanked the Maldon in Bloom volunteers, who give their time week in, week out to help beautify areas of Maldon, organise the competition, and judge the many entries.

For more information about getting involved in Maldon in Bloom or volunteering opportunities, you can contact Maldon Town Council by email to [email protected] or by telephone 01621 857373.