Blooming marvellous!

The awards showcase planting and growing efforts in the home and garden

Housing association First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has launched its brand-new ‘Budding Neighbourhoods’ Awards to celebrate green-fingered residents.

FCHO customers can win up to £25 in vouchers by uploading an image in one of three award categories, which showcases their planting and growing efforts in their home and/or garden.

The categories are:

• A Brew and My View, which allows residents to show off their planting efforts (both outside and inside) while enjoying a cuppa;
• My Garden Harvest, focusing on customers who have grown their own food items;
• Garden Genius, highlighting the inventive ways residents have recycled or re-used items in their garden.

The online-only competition will run from today, Monday 9 August 2021 until 5pm on Friday 20 August, and has replaced the social landlord’s annual ‘Growing Together’ gardening competition.

Emma Cafferky, Stronger Communities Manager at FCHO, said: “Budding Neighbourhoods is a way to really showcase some of the fantastic things our customers are doing in their gardens and homes.

“Our new awards is more inclusive of all our communities – including those customers who might not have an outdoor area. By creating opportunities to celebrate growing food and re-using items, we’re also helping to promote sustainable living which is a big part of our future here at FCHO.”

The social landlord wants to see as many entries as possible and encourages all tenants to take part.

Entries can be made via completing a form and uploading images to FCHO’s website www.fcho.co.uk/BuddingNeighbourhoods.

If anyone would like support with digital submissions, they are encouraged to email FCHO’s Stronger Communities team at ci@fcho.co.uk or call 0161 393 7117.

Emma added “After a tough 18 months, being out in the garden or channelling your inner creativity in your home can really help wellbeing and anything that improves our customers’ quality of life something we’re keen to support.

“It’s not about being the biggest or the best, and it’s certainly not about who has spent the most money. It’s about having a go, using your imagination, thinking outside the box, being thrifty (especially in the Garden Genius category) and being proud of your achievements in your communities.”

The winners will be contacted in September and winning images shared on the housing association’s website and social media channels.

Meantime, The Shady Gardeners have won the community category in the Saddleworth In Bloom 2021 for their work for Dobcross School and Community. Winners in all categories are being informed  by Saddleworth Parish Council this week.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.