This summer Jill Abbot entered the BNSS Garden into Bournemouth in Bloom Competition. At the October presentations we were gratified to be awarded Tree of Excellence grading for our three tree submissions: our Loquat for Small Ornamental or Flowering Tree; our Tulip Tree for Champion Tree – notable for sheer size, age or heritage value, or an example of an uncommon species; our Sweet Chestnut for Tree Contributing to Bio-diversity – good for bees or provider of habitat or food source for bats, birds or mammals.

The latter actually won a trophy and plaque as the Overall Winner in the category.

We were also presented with a Gold Award for our back garden in the Environmentally Friendly Spaces category.