2021 Plot Holder of The Year

Mr David Sparkes was back again to do the judging.

“Thank you for inviting me back to do the judging of this highly prestigious competition. I feel very honoured. It is my first visit to the site since September 2020 and I was struck by how good the site looks and how many improvements have been made in the past twelve months. New gate and fencing, communal water butts and composting area and new flower beds, and the orchard looks fantastic. The pruning and mulching around the trunks have certainly improved the look and health of the fruit trees. I’m very impressed by all the hard work by all the plot holders.”

This year we added an extra category that we labeled ‘Ecology’ because we wanted to acknowledge work done by plotholders to help water conservation, composting and bee friendliness on their plots.

We used a 5 point scoring system and four categories. Maximum score 20 points.

1. T ‘Technical’ 5 points; 
2. US ‘Use of Space’ 5 points; 
3. A ‘Aesthetics’ 5 points; 
4. E ‘Ecology’ 5 points. 

Plot No.	Plot holder	Score	Place
33	Gill W.	18.5 points  T5 US5 A4.5 E4	FIRST
13	Raluca R.	17 points T4 US5 A4.5 E3.5	SECOND
8	Graham E.	16 points T4 US5 A4 E3	THIRD
3	Chris J.	14 points T4 US4 A3 E3	Special commendation
43A	Kevin W.	13.5 points T4 US4.5 A3 E2	Special commendation
9	Nigel D.	13 points T4 US4 A3 E2	Special commendation
4	Filis M.	13 points T4 US3 A4 E2	Special commendation

Judge’s comments

Plot 33 (Gill W.) 18.5 points This is a  large plot with lots of things happening on it. There is some  ‘wilderness’ provided by a well-controlled tangle of blackberries right at the front of the plot, which a lot of bees were appreciating as we were walking round the plot. The mix of flowers in the beds behind the blackberries give a very colourful and inviting cottage garden feel, again very much appreciated by the bees. You can feel the enjoyment this cultivator is getting from their plot. Small beds with various experiments going on are mixed with beds where more traditional soft fruits, like raspberries, and various vegetables are growing. Composting is happening too. There is a shed, so  adding guttering and a waterbutt is a possible project for the future.

Plot 13 (Raluca R.) 17 points This is a very inviting larger size plot. There is  lots of imaginative use of companion planting and  the polytunnel is an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ where lots of different types of produce are thriving. All available growing space is utilised, with flowers growing on the bank adjacent to the path that runs from the front to the back of the plot. You get a sense that the plot holder is really enjoying their plot and likes to try different things out. Various ‘experiments’ are growing in clusters of small containers wherever there is room. The shed is small, almost Wendy House size, but it would look good with a tiny Wendy sized water butt installed.

Plot 8 (Graham E.) 16 points This is a large plot with rows of neat beds. The soil looks in good condition – it’s getting a lot of care and attention. There is mulching and composting happening. There is a good selection of produce – soft fruits to make it a  ‘pudding paradise’ and other produce to give a good seasonal spread. A plot that can feed you all year round. Space is used to the full, with planting up the side of the boundary bank too. 

Plot 3 (Chris J.) 14 points A large plot with lots of variety of produce and with some bee friendly flowers. Water conservation is happening, There is guttering on shed and a water butt installed.

Plot 43A (Kevin W.) 13.5 points A small plot in a difficult sloping location. Access is down a steep bank. Well cultivated with all space used for crops. Has potential to be a quiet oasis secluded from wind and noise from the road. Composting is happening. There is a shed so guttering and a water butt is something to think about. Difficult to get a good photo because of location.

Plot 4 (Filis M.) 13 points A large plot with good variety and some companion planting happening. There is a shed so guttering and a water butt is a possible future project.

Plot 9 (Nigel D.) 13 points A large plot with a good seasonal spread of produce. Something for the table all year round. No shed on plot. Potential for more composting.