Ventnor's Gardeners Come Up Smelling Of Roses In South East In Bloom Competition

Gardeners in Ventnor have been recognised at the annual South and South East in Bloom competition.

Historic Ventnor Park and the town's spectacular seafront cascades caught the judge's eye and delivered the town council and local contractors, John O'Conner Grounds Maintenance, coveted silver gilt awards.

Ventnor Park dates from the 19th century and covers an area of about seven acres.

The tranquil surroundings feature landscaped grounds over a range of different levels, with mature trees, shrubs, herbaceous and bedding borders, a bandstand, a meandering stream with gentle falls and a putting green.

Judges paid tribute to the dedication of the small team of gardeners who keep the park looking its best, and gave special mention to Jackie Tiller and her husband, Richard, who run the putting green which they described as "a joy to behold".

The judges said:

"This popular, family-friendly attraction, is a credit to the park and the fact it was kept running and welcoming during much of the pandemic is testament to the dedication of Jackie and Richard.

"Everyone concerned with maintaining this park as a historic and welcoming green space, for all to enjoy, should be congratulated on their effort."

The beautiful cascades, with its series of decorative waterfalls on Ventnor sea front, was also singled out for praise.

Judges noted the vegetation was managed skilfully to expose the tumbling water to best effect, while the shrubs and herbaceous plants which adorn the rocky banks added to the charm.

"This is truly a lovely part of Ventnor, echoing Victorian/Edwardian times and well done to the team caring for it," they added.

Ventnor Park is managed and funded by the town council in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council.

Town mayor, Councillor Stephen Cockett, said:

"Ventnor is proud of its outstanding park and cascade garden which provide remarkable and unique experiences for the Isle of Wight.

"The council would like to praise all those involved in the upkeep of the park including the regular users which treat it with great care and respect.

"Now under town council management, we look towards a new chapter in Ventnor Park's history. We have been especially delighted to welcome many thousands of people to enjoy the park for the hugely successful Ventnor Fringe Festival and August's wonderful Ventnor Day community celebration."

Stan Hayden, contract manager at John O’Conner, said:

“Our dedicated team have worked incredibly hard to maintain Ventnor Park and the results are fantastic. The park thoroughly deserves the silver gilt award and it’s a delight to see the public and visitors making the most of the beautiful space.”

Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for the environment, added:

"With hundreds of town and villages competing, it was always going to be a tough event to stand out from the crowds. Ventnor not only stood out, it once again won some well-deserved silverware.

"I would like to say thank you to Ventnor Town Council and John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance who go that extra mile to keep the park looking good, and also to Jackie and Richard Tiller at Ventnor Putting Green for their continued support."