The second annual floral and craft extravaganza that is Stow in Bloom took place in July, with judges bowled over by the standard of entries. We were delighted to welcome back judges Pam and Bob Jackson from Woolpit Nurseries and Julie Martin and Georgie Stevens from the Suffolk County Council Aduly Community Services, who enjoyed hospitality at every home starting in Halstead mid morning and winding all the way to Brandon via Long Melford, Stowlangtoft and Thetford on the journey.
New favourite categories this year included ‘Best Scarecrow’ which saw some fantastic interpretations, as did ‘Meal in a Pot’, which was won by Stowlangtoft Hall who created a ‘lamb roast dinner’ with potatoes, runner beans carrots, rosemary and mint- there was even a hidden lamb if you looked closely! The judges were delighted to meet many of the residents who had contributed to the amazing displays and to talk to them about all the hard work that had gone into the day.
A special mention must go to not only the activities staff who organised the event at the home, but also many of the other staff at the home who really got behind the competition, helping to create works with residents and putting in their own amazing entries too! The overall winners of the event were Stowlangtoft Hall who won the highest number of categories and the special gardening themed trophy! We can’t wait to see what Stow in the Snow will bring this December as the bar keeps being set higher and higher!