The winners of Transport for London’s (TfL) hotly contested staff gardening competition “In Bloom” recognises the variety of gardens that flourish on London’s transport network. With awards in a range of categories – from indoor gardens and hanging baskets to larger cultivated gardens – the In Bloom competition inspires gardeners from across TfL, with some even enlisting the help of customers.
Green-fingered staff from across the city innovatively used spaces across stations, depots and offices to develop gardens which provide beautiful scenery and fresh produce.
TfL Image – In Bloom winners
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Northwick Park Underground station bagged this year’s ‘Gardens of The Future’ theme award, by planting adaptable, sustainable and edible plants which provides a model for maximising small green spaces across the transport network.
Upminster Depot won both the ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ Awards. Over a few months, the staff transformed a patch of disused space into a garden that incorporates a seating area, wildflower meadow and art on the portacabins and office walls.
The In Bloom competition was first started in 1910 by the District Railway. TfL and its enthusiastic staff, often working with local residents and businesses have kept this century-old tradition alive. This year saw more than 60 entries from across the city – West Croydon to Croxley and Upminster to West Ruislip.
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “Climate change is a very real threat to all of us, and this year’s In Bloom competition had sustainability firmly at its core.
“The winners of In Bloom truly harnessed this message, creating unique and beautiful gardens which will brighten Londoners’ journeys while reminding us of importance of looking after our planet and adapting to the effects of climate change.”
