In Bloom Leeds winners 2024

Managing director Mark Pearson presented awards to delighted 54North Homes customers who won in the ever-popular summer In Bloom competition.

He visited properties in Leeds with housing officers Jo-Anne Ward and Lauren Rae to see their amazing work first-hand and reward them with beautiful glass engraved trophies and gift vouchers.

Caroline Young won in a category for developing a mini allotment bordered by colourful flowers at her 54North Homes property in Rothwell.

(Pictured above: 54North Homes managing director Mark Pearson presents Caroline Young with her glass trophy and voucher.)

She grew tomatoes, peppers, sweetcorn, cucumbers and strawberries among other fresh produce that made delicious meals for her family and neighbours.

Caroline said her interest took off three years ago when a neighbour gifted her a tomato plant for what was then a bare patch of grass.

She knew nothing about gardening, but learned by watching videos, and said: “I now absolutely love it.

“Gardening has been so good for my wellbeing. It’s almost as if my garden is my best friend.”

She added of the award: “It’s absolutely brilliant. I’m thrilled, and it’s great that all the hard work has paid off.”

54North Homes managing director Mark said: “The pride people take in their gardens and the passion they have for it has been wonderful to see.

“Hearing from them about the difference gardening can make to their lives and to community spirit, where other people are interested in what they’re doing and want to replicate it, is fantastic.

“And to see their delight at winning, getting that recognition, it felt like a real privilege to spend time with these customers and present them with their awards.”

Coral Shepherd won in the best small garden category for a creating a tranquil shaded oasis at her home in the Burley area of Leeds.

(Pictured below: The prize-winning garden created by 54North Homes customer Coral Shepherd.)

Miss Shepherd said: “I’ve always had pride in everything I own and all of that goes into the garden.

“Sometimes, it can take a whole week to do, but I get a lot of enjoyment out of it, so it’s really worth it.”

She added of her glass trophy and voucher: “I’m just speechless! I never expected to get an award or a prize.”

All customers at 54North Homes, which owns and manages more than 3,000 homes across Yorkshire, could enter the In Bloom competition.

There were nine other categories, with Carol Brown, of Horsforth, winning prizes for best first-time entrant and top communal garden.

(Pictured above: Carol Brown collects her a glass trophy and voucher from 54North Homes managing director Mark Pearson.)

She created an outdoor seated area surrounded by pretty floral displays at her home in the appropriately named Flower Garth off Stanhope Drive.

Carol said: “I put a lot of hours in, but I often don’t realise I’m out there that long because it’s so rewarding and therapeutic. It takes my mind off a lot of things.”

She planted flowers including daffodils, tulips, cornflowers, geraniums and angel wings, plus a vegetable patch with tomatoes, herbs and potatoes among other produce.

Housing officer Joanne Ward said 54North Homes supports customers to look after their properties and will go the extra mile to help where possible.

She added of a customer in Leeds: “One of our customers has struggled with the cost-of-living crisis and reached out to ask for some help.

“She has a little flower garden and wanted to create a vegetable patch.

“So, I put that forward to our customers services team, and it was agreed that we’d pay for some things for her.”