North Paddington gardener wins award

She won a £20 voucher for gardening equipment, a set of garden tools and a certificate, from competition organisers Harrow Road Neighbourhood Partnership (HRNP).

Mrs Charman, who has been gardening since she was around six years old in her native Germany, said: "It's really nice to get a reward and recognition for my garden.

"I have arthritis but gardening helps me get out and about and keep fit, it keeps me busy.

"When I moved into my house 16 years ago, there was nothing except a pile of sand."

Now her garden has been transformed into a dazzling display of brightly-coloured flowers, vegetables and herbs.

Mrs Charman and the five other winners from Harrow Road will join up for a special London-wide competition, to be judged by London In Bloom, on September 11.

The winners picked up their prizes at a ceremony on Friday, which coincided with the launch of the new monthly Harrow Road Gardening Club, which will meet at Maida Hill Market.

The gardening club, launched with HRNP and environmental charity Groundwork, will offer people advice on gardening, access to a free gardening tools bank and the chance to meet other green-fingered residents.

Linda Mokrane(COR), of the HRNP, said: "We'd also like to hear from older and vulnerable people in the area, who can no longer look after their gardens, and we're looking for volunteers to help with these gardens.

"We know there are lots of people who want to get involved in gardening, but there isn't much community space in the area."

Tara Jeewoonarain, of Groundwork added: "We're looking for potential sites that could be transformed into a garden.

"So far, we've had interest from a few schools and we're looking at starting a food-growing site on the Warwick Estate.

"We want the gardens to be community-led through, so we'd like any residents with ideas to come forward."

The next gardening club will meet on September 18.

To get involved, call Linda Mokrane at the HRNP on 020 8968 5543.

WINNERS:
Best front garden:
Joan Charman, of Portnall Road

Best window box:
Terry Ainsworth, of Shirland Road

Most artistic garden:
Michael Armatrading, of Elgin Avenue

Best new keen gardener:
Albert Collymore, of Elgin Avenue

Best vegetable garden:
Kevin Bridgewater, of Athens Gardens

Best herb garden:
Elizabeth Fewings, of Hormead Road