Rochdale In Bloom: Bee Inspired gardens win three North West In Bloom awards

Date published: 10 November 2019

The Bee Inspired community gardens in Rochdale won three accolades at the RHS North West in Bloom Awards in Southport on Wednesday 30 October.

Located in Cutgate, Bee Inspired has been created by Pauline Cooper, who has transformed seven neglected plots of land into gardens with the help of professional gardener Danny Bennett.

A first-time entry for the It’s Your Neighbourhood category this year, the Martin Lane gardens received the maximum level five outstanding, plus best small neighbourhood, whilst creator Pauline won a community champion award.

Pauline said: “I really wanted to give something back to the beautiful area, as I’ve been walking dogs and picking litter up in Cutgate for over 20 years.”

Local resident Pauline decided to makeover the unloved land in 2018 after she noticed that a patch of garden in the nearby housing estate was looking worse for wear whilst she was out on a dog walk.

Weeds, litter and the remains of broken bottles had taken over the small plot and Pauline decided to give something back to the community and create a space for other local residents to appreciate and admire.

With some digging and effort, all of the weeds and rubble were removed from seven small plots dotted around the estate, with Pauline relocating some plants from her own garden to their new home.

Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed, and neighbours began to volunteer their time to the Bee Inspired gardens.

Whilst the initial plan was to improve the area and clean up weeds, newer plots have been renovated and themed with ornaments, trinkets, different grasses, rocks and sun-loving perennials added for extra decoration.

Earlier this year, the Bee Inspired team also installed colourful bicycles in front of Cutgate shops on Edenfield Road for September’s Energy Tour of Britain.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/130184/flower-power-%E2%80%93-floral-bicycle-display-installed-to-spur-on-world-class-cyclists

The regional North West in Bloom competition consists of two judging days. The first is a guided tour taking in areas of interest around Rochdale; the second allows for visits to community-based projects that include local schools, allotments, health and well-being projects and conservation areas.