Wayne’s World of Flowers scoops top award

Wayne Butterworth and Lisa Smythe with the trophy and certificate

Wayne Butterworth from Middleton is celebrating after his green fingers saw him triumph in Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s Garden Competition.

His hard work and dedication created a wonderful kaleidoscope of colour in the front garden of his home in Elmbank Road, which won the contest’s Small Garden category.

Among the wonderful array of flora in Wayne’s garden over the summer were geraniums, pansies, lobelias, lilies, poppies and marigolds while pride of place went to a spectacular two-foot long hanging basket.

As well as giving his own garden a vibrant look, his efforts also brightened up the local area as he gave flowers to neighbours and a local care home.

Wayne’s garden is  self-perpetuating, each year he takes seeds and cuttings and grows them in his greenhouse ready for the following summer.

The family’s pet rabbits have also played their part in his success by providing a regular supply of manure.

Wayne, who lives with partner Lisa Smythe (40) and sons James (20) and Thomas (8), inherited his love of gardening from his father, John, who used to grow vegetables at the family home in Langley.

Winning the competition earned Wayne a trophy together with a certificate and garden centre vouchers.

He said: “I was absolutely thrilled when I heard that I’d won. Gardening is something I really love and it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction. To know that others have been impressed by what I’ve done is fantastic.

“Winning the trophy has been a huge boost to me and has really given me a new lease of life.

“This was the first time that I’ve entered the competition and I’m already planning what I’m going to do next year.”

Ruth Sillence, RBH Communities First Co-ordinator, said: “The competition is a brilliant way of recognising the endeavours of people across the borough in brightening up their neighbourhoods.

“Once again the standard of entries was very high and so Wayne can be really proud of his achievement in winning his category.”