Petrus in paradise after award winning flower show

Petrus is celebrating after being awarded a Silver Medal at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show Tatton Park 2019

Rochdale-based homelessness charity, Petrus, is celebrating after being awarded a Silver Medal at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show Tatton Park 2019 for its double back to back garden.

The exhibition, named Petrus’ Paradise, was designed by a team from Petrus Incredible Edibles Rochdale (PIER) who created a garden to reflect a service user’s journey through life with Petrus.

Petrus scored highly for its ambition, design and spatial composition. Feedback was also positive for Petrus’ choice of plants, including visual impact, colour, texture and sustainability.

Rachael Bennion, Petrus Engagement and Development Worker, said: “We are over the moon to be awarded a Silver Medal at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show Tatton Park 2019 for our garden.

“Just being at Tatton Park meant so much to our volunteers and service users, but this has taken it to another level. It was worth it just to see the looks on their faces when they saw our award.

“Gardening is a hugely important part of our volunteers’ lives and being recognised for their hard work and skills at such a prestigious event will give them the confidence boost that they need and deserve.

“We would like to say a big thank you to our sponsors: The Guinness Partnership, M&Y Maintenance and Construction, Rochdale Rotary Club and Rochdale Borough Council, and to The Regenda Group and Wates Group for the support they have provided. Their support has been outstanding.”

The Guinness Partnership customers, including customers from Rochdale’s Newbold Estate, were involved in the design and installation of the garden.

Brian Hamlin, Community Partnership Manager for The Guinness Partnership, said: “We are delighted that Petrus’ Paradise has been recognised by judges at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.

“The garden reflects Guinness’s vision of partnership working in the community, our focus on green estates, and giving our customers great places to live”.

PIER is a community garden in Rochdale which aims to get service users out of negative routines through improved health and wellbeing, developing social relationships and improved mental health.