Awards celebrate Farnham’s flourishing In Bloom community

An awards ceremony has taken place to highlight and celebrate the positive impact Farnham in Bloom has on growing communities across Farnham.

The Farnham in Bloom Awards 2026 took place at Squire’s Garden Centre in Badshot Lea and began by recognising Farnham’s thriving allotment community. Prizes were awarded for the Best Allotment plot and Best Newcomer plot at each of Farnham Town Council’s eight allotments.

Attention then turned to the Gardens of Farnham Awards, which celebrate the gardening achievements of residents and businesses across the town. Categories included Best Hanging Basket or Container, Best Small, Medium and Large Garden, and Best Wildlife-Friendly Garden. Businesses also received recognition for their green-fingered efforts, with awards for the Best Pub Display and Best Care or Residential Home.

The Madge Green award, named in memory of one of the earliest Farnham in Bloom volunteers, was presented to Wrecclesham Conservation Group for the positive impact they have made on their local area in just two years.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity to present certificates to groups that were singled out for recognition at the recent South & South East in Bloom awards.

Each year, a series of Special Awards are presented to individuals and organisations whose efforts go above and beyond the judges’ expectations. This year’s recipients were:

• Gardener of the year – Judy and Darrell Romer
• Bloomin Litter Volunteer of the year – Jeremy Booker
• Biodiversity champion of the year – Hive Helpers
• Milestone Awards – Badshot Lea Bloomers and Rita and Geoff Hollebon
• The Mayor’s Special Award – Oli Sackwood

Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Graham White paid tribute to the volunteers whose dedication makes Farnham in Bloom possible. He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to give a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, who have dedicated countless hours in all conditions throughout the year.

“Your enthusiasm, hard work and community spirit are at the heart of Farnham in Bloom. While the flowers and displays attract attention, it is the friendships, partnerships and shared sense of pride that truly embody our aim of growing both flowers and communities.”

Earlier in the day, Farnham’s schools took centre stage at a dedicated awards ceremony celebrating the enthusiasm, creativity and dedication shown by pupils, teachers and school communities.

Through gardening projects, environmental initiatives and community activities, schools continue to play an important role in helping make Farnham greener, more vibrant and more sustainable.

Pupils were recognised across a wide range of categories, including Best School Garden, Best Hanging Basket, Tallest Sunflower, Biggest Pumpkin, Best Biodiversity Area, Flower in a Boot, Wildlife Photography Competition, Best Anti-Litter Poster and Green Champion Awards.

The school awards highlighted how young people are helping to shape a greener future for Farnham, developing their environmental awareness while making a positive difference to their schools and the wider community.

Farnham in Bloom is made possible by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, alongside the support of local businesses and organisations that share its commitment to the town.

This year’s Farnham in Bloom Gold sponsors were Squire’s Garden Centre, Make it Farnham and Farnham Institute Charity.

Residents, schools, community groups and businesses interested in getting involved in the award-winning Farnham in Bloom campaign can find further information, along with the full list of award winners at www.farnham.gov.uk.