DATES FOR 2025
Judging: 9 & 10 June
Presentation Evening: 27 June 

West Horsley in Bloom is an annual gardening competition which is open to all residents, businesses, and community groups. 

The aim of the competition is to encourage our community to showcase their gardens and outdoor environment, with an emphasis on imaginative use of flowers, shrubs, trees and landscaping, as well as sustainability and encouraging wildlife. A special children’s competition (Potatoes in the Pot) is included which aims to help them learn how things grow and where food comes from. West Horsley in Bloom also recognises the achievements and hard work that people in the community carry out to create beautiful and uplifting spaces in the village. 

 

2024 Winners

Best FRONT Garden – Rosemary Tribe

Best BACK Garden – Suzie Crosby

Best CONTAINER - Jeremy Miles

Best ALLOTMENT at Grace & Flavour - Helena & Steven Stuart-Matthews

Best NON-RESIDENTIAL Display - Not Awarded

SUSTAINABILITY Champion – Sandra Dunn

Best FIRST TIME Entry Cup - Suzie Crosby

Mike Chapman Memorial Cup for Best VEGETABLE PLOT - Not Awarded

Iliff Community Award – Grace & Flavour Community Garden

Judges' Prize – Matt Link at West Horsley Place

Roxburghe Cup (overall points winner) – Tom Suffolk

Junior Competition Cup (Potatoes in a Pot) - Rosie Herrington 

In addition, 17 Gold, 21 Silver Gilt, 13 Silver and 2 Bronze certificates were awarded. 


 

West Horsley in Bloom 2024 Report

Well, what a difference a year makes! In 2023, the West Horsley in Bloom judges were sweltering in the summer heat on judging days, this year it was a case of shivering in the chilly, damp wind whilst wearing scarves and gloves during the 8 hours of judging for this year’s competition. There were over 50 entries and the judges were particularly thrilled to have lots of new entrants from different parts of the village, as well as some from the new housing developments.

Despite the wet, cool weather we have experienced this year which had resulted in some plants being behind in their growing, other plants such as roses, foxgloves and delphiniums put on a fantastic show and it was a pleasure to view and appreciate such impressive and delightful gardens throughout the village.

The Presentation evening took place on 29th June at the Village Hall. The Deputy Mayor Councillor Howard Smith and his wife, the Deputy Mayoress, Mrs Debbie Smith were in attendance as well as WHPC Chairman Elaine Best, members of the Parish Council and Guildford Borough Council and all the competition entrants and their guests. Everyone was welcomed with drinks and canapes. This was then followed by the presentations of the award certificates, prizes and cups to the entrants for their wonderful efforts and which also included a large screen show of photographs showing all the winning gardens.

At the end of evening, Cllr Elaine Best thanked all those residents who had taken part, the West Horsley in Bloom Committee and especially the very generous competition sponsors: Spring Reach Nursery, Squire’s Garden Centre, Adam Aaronson Glass Studio, Plant Passion, Milloe Soft Furnishings, Artichoke Interiors, CT Cars, Timberwood Tree Care, The Surrey Gardener, Wimbledon Garden Services & WHPC without whom such a successful and enjoyable community event would not be possible.

Report by Heather Mason and Sarah Christiansen, WHIB 2024 Organisers 

Entry Details

How to Enter 

 

1. Online Entry Form (preferred)

We'd like to encourage as many entrants as possible to use our online entry form. 

Click here for West Horsley in Bloom Entry Form.

 

2. By Email

To enter by email please send the following information to Heather Mason at westhorsleyinbloom@gmail.com:

1) Your name, address and telephone number

2) A list of the categories you wish to enter 

 

3. By Phone

If you have any queries, or if you would prefer to submit your entry over the phone, please give Heather a call on 07881 833197.

 

Good luck! 

Key Dates for West Horsley in Bloom 2024

 

Closing Date for Entries: Sun 2 June

Judging: Mon 10 & Tues 11 June 

Presentation Evening: Fri 28 June 

 

The Categories: 

 

Back Garden

Front Garden

Vegetable Garden

Sustainability Champion

First Time Entry 

Non Residential, Large

Non Residential, Small

Grace and Flavour Allotment

Container

 

Recent Winners

2023 Winners

Best FRONT Garden – Sandra Dunn

Best BACK Garden – Toby & Judy Young

Best CONTAINER - Pip Davis

Best ALLOTMENT at Grace & Flavour - Helena & Steven Stuart-Matthews

Best NON-RESIDENTIAL Display - West Horsley Place

SUSTAINABILITY Champion – Amelia Plaickner

Best FIRST TIME Entry Cup - Janet Claydon

Best VEGETABLE PLOT - Tony & Valerie Thompson

Iliff Community Award – Mel & Rhys Beynon

Judges' Prize – Glenesk School

Roxburghe Cup – Amelia Plaickner

 

2022 Winners

Best BACK Garden - Helen David

Best VEGETABLE Plot - Tony & Valerie Thompson

Best NON-RESIDENTIAL Display - West Horsley Place

Best ALLOTMENT at Grace & Flavour - Helena Stuart Matthews

Best celebratory JUBILEE Container - Pip and Philip Holmes

BIODIVERSITY Champion - Gerry Robbins

Best FIRST TIME Entry - Judy Young

Iliff Community Award - St Mary's Churchyard Gang

Judges' Prize - Trevor Wykes

The Roxburghe Cup - West Horsley Place