The Bradford Estates’ Garden Challenge Cup sat on the shelves at the estates office from 1992 until June 2020 when, following the resurgence in gardening efforts during the first national lockdown, it was brought back – and this year it is up for grabs again.
“We’re delighted to be bringing back our popular gardening challenge again this year,” said Bradford Estates managing director, Alexander Newport. “There is gardening greatness all over the estates, from Blymhill to Weston-under-Lizard to Tong Norton and we want to celebrate all the hard work tenants here do to keep their lovely gardens looking their best.”
The cup was originally awarded by Alexander’s grandfather, the 6th Earl of Bradford, in 1952 to employees on the estates. It was highly competitive with winners being invited to the Earl’s office and receiving a cheque.
Engraved on the 70-year-old cup are all the former winners including last year’s winner, Vince Derry from Burlington, who will judge this year’s competition.
“It’s an honour to be asked to judge this year’s competition,” Vince, who is now employed by the estates, said. “As part of my new job as a groundsman on the estates, I come across beautiful gardens and fantastic ideas all the time and I hope to see these keen amateur gardeners enter the cup.”
Gardens will be judged by Vince Derry on Monday, June 21, with a presentation by Alexander Newport the following day.