The South West’s community gardeners took home more top prizes than any other region at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) annual Britain in Bloom awards ceremony in Belfast last night.
Seven finalists were chosen to fly the flag for the region following success in the South West in Bloom competition the previous year.

A total of 76 groups from across the UK competed in 12 categories with each also vying for a gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze medal.

Truro won the coveted ‘Champion of Champions’ title after battling what judges declared the toughest year on record with communities nationwide fighting to keep blooms alive. 

To beat the heat, Truro opted for exotic, drought-tolerant planting including cacti, palms and Mediterranean herbs and employed a purpose built solar powered rainwater harvesting system, wowing the judges with more than a thousand hanging baskets and floral features, urban tree plantings and a community orchard.

Truro also benefitted from an unusual partnership with the local council which sees the parks department, local businesses and residents work together on issues ranging from planning and decision-making to volunteering, plant donations and discounts.

Kingsbridge on Devon’s Salcombe estuary also won the small town category, impressing the judges with its excellent choice of plants, dedicated volunteers and interpretation of the area’s local heritage through signage and imaginative artwork. 

Six of the seven South West finalists also scooped gold medals – the highest of any competing UK region.

Falmouth won gold in the category for coastal towns with more than 12,000 population.

Sidmouth was deemed outstanding and just missed out to Truro in the Champion of Champions race.