Stunning garden in Bovey Tracey wins top prize in national competition

A Bovey Tracey resident has been recognised for her gardening skills in a national housing competition.

Sophia Newman won first place in the Home Garden in Bloom category of Sovereign Network Group’s (SNG) annual In Bloom awards. 

Her entry was chosen from over 130 submissions across Southern England, where SNG provides more than 85,000 homes.

The competition had four categories covering indoor, outdoor and community gardens, as well as shared green spaces. 

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Sophia’s garden was praised by judges as vibrant and colourful, and she was awarded £200 in vouchers along with a trophy.

Speaking about her garden, Sophia said: “My garden truly makes a difference to my everyday life. I start my mornings with breakfast outside, and it’s the last thing I see at night before the lights go off when I go to bed. I love being able to enjoy it even in the evenings, with the lighting carefully arranged so it illuminates beautifully without disturbing the neighbours.

“For me, my garden is not separate from my home – it’s an extension of it. A home would never feel complete without a garden, and I believe gardens should never be neglected or forgotten, because they are just as important as the rooms we live in.”

Judge Matt Buckham, Managing Director at SNG’s Community Foundation, said the standard of entries was high and it was a difficult year to choose a winner:

"It's been a pleasure judging some brilliant gardens, plants and green spaces for our In Bloom competition. While we aim to provide good quality places to live, it’s our customers who turn them into real homes to thrive in by adding colour, beauty and life,” he said.

Fellow judge Ruth Picknett-Powell, from SNG’s Customer Influence Panel extended her congratulations to all that applied: 

“I hope that you continue to garden and I encourage everyone to apply again next year - winners and applicants alike. Let’s get more people involved as even the smallest plot will support nature and wellbeing.”