Mortimer woman Michelle Plummer wins Sovereign Network Group’s Sustainable Garden category in its In Bloom gardening competition

A Mortimer woman has been recognised nationally for the sustainability of her garden.

Michelle Plummer, who lives in a Sovereign Network Group (SNG) home in Mortimer, came first in the Sustainable Garden category in the housing association’s In Bloom gardening competition.

She was among five gardeners and gardening groups who stood out among SNG’s 85,000 households across London and the south of England.

She said: “I was grateful to win the competition, it was a lovely surprise and what a great idea from SNG.

“I am very proud of the garden. It has developed over many years, and I always have ideas to further enhance it. This award is such a nice way for it to be recognised, thank you.”

The judging panel were highly impressed with Michelle's garden, which they said “exemplified an exceptional commitment to sustainability”.

Her considerate use of different hedges, ponds, and a wildflower meadow created habitats that support and promote local wildlife — a standout feature that led to her first-place title.

Additionally, the garden’s bird and bee boxes further demonstrated Michelle’s dedication to creating an environmentally-friendly green space, providing vital resources for surrounding wildlife.

SNG’s chief communities and sustainability officer Jamie Ratcliff said: “I was blown away with the levels of skill, commitment and improvement shown in all submissions to our first In Bloom competition.

“Our customers are the people who make the places we offer a home, and Michelle’s work to add to her community so that it thrives across generations, as well as the joy in her garden has been amazing to see.”

The gardening competition forms part of SNG’s Living Together programme; a community investment scheme that strives to reduce minor antisocial behaviour and bond communities together through a range of support, funding and resources.