The Winners of the 2025 Guildford in Bloom Competition have been celebrated at an Awards evening at The Guildford Baptist Church in Millmead and hosted by Nicky Patrick.
Guildford in Bloom champions wildlife and sustainability, recognising gardeners for eco-friendly practices and care for nature. The 2025 theme was Butterflies and Moths, with support from the Butterfly Conservation team in Surrey.
There was also a new category this year of Best Balcony Garden sponsored by St Edward’s Home – the aim was to provide pollinator pitstops on balconies and create pollinator pathways across the area.
The Best in Competition winner for 2025 is Robert Avenell for his Wildlife Garden – the judges said: “A seasoned gardener, Rob, has developed his garden in recent years to embrace all things wildlife from soil structure to water management, possibly in contradiction to the traditional horticultural practices he had been brought up with. Not a big garden, you walk on paths through swathes of planting, finding hidden spots that take advantage of different aspects and as you emerge you feel you have been on a fascinating ramble.”
Outgoing Chairman of Guildford in Bloom, Paul Spooner said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 12 years on the Guildford in Bloom Committee, the last decade as Chairman, but it is time to let others take the organisation forward now that it has a sound financial position as an independent registered charity and I wish new Chairman Sallie Barker a very successful tenure at the helm of such a valued voluntary organisation. I am very confident that a refresh will prove to be positive for the community and encourage all residents to get involved and to support all things horticulture across the local area.”
Sallie Barker takes over as Chair of Guildford in Bloom and said: “The standard of entries this year has been exceptional and it’s wonderful to see how our community continues to embrace the spirit of Guildford in Bloom, creating beautiful spaces that benefit everyone who lives, works in, or visits our lovely borough. I am delighted to become Chair of an organisation that not only celebrates horticultural excellence but also promotes sustainable gardening practices and community engagement”
The Guildford in Bloom Team acknowledges that while evaluating the various gardens and plots in July is a challenging endeavour, they find great satisfaction in learning about the unique stories of each garden and its caretakers. Guildford in Bloom takes pride in offering an inclusive competition, featuring categories that accommodate gardens of all sizes, participants of all ages, and varying levels of experience.
More information on the work of Guildford in Bloom can be found at guildfordinbloom.com and on their social media channels.
List of Winners
Overall Winner and Best in Competition 2025 – Robert Avenell
Barbara Owen – Best in Categroy – Front Garden
Watts Gallery – Best in Category – Nature Champion
Zoe & Neil Nash-Williams – Best in Category – Allotment & Kitchen Garden
The Weyside – Best in Category – Pub/Business in Bloom
Stoke Hospital Almshouse Charity – Best in Category – Container GardenC
Caleb Lovejoy’s Almshouse Charity – Best in Category – Best Neighbourhood Project
Category Themed Garden Winners
Hayley Colgate – Allotment
Sharon Smith – Container Garden
Merrow Bowls Club – Neighbourhood Project
Robert Avenell – Wildlife Garden
Homestead Flowers – Nature Champion
Guildford Jubilee Social Club – Pub/Business
Overall Themed Garden Winner : Merrow Bowls Club
