Caravan Club unveils 'Sites in Bloom' winners

The Caravan Club has announced its 'Sites in Bloom' winners, with Chester Fairoaks Caravan Club Site scooping first prize.

The awards were introduced in 2003 and recognise the creative and horticultural skills of site wardens and volunteers who bring splashes of colour to sites around the UK.

Chester Fairoaks Caravan Club site is, as the name suggests, surrounded by oak trees and situated near the city of Chester. Judges were delighted with the bright, floral display which welcomed visitors; caravanclub.co.uk reports that it: "makes the reception area look like a country cottage garden, including traditional rose bushes, ornamental grasses and the friendly faces of pansies".

The awards were presented by Caravan Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain at a special ceremony at the House of Commons on November 25. Site wardens Simon and Becky Allen accepted the Alan Payne Trophy for their horticultural achievement.

Buxton Caravan Club was awarded second place, with judges praising the brightly coloured baskets decorating the shower blocks in oranges, yellows and "striking" lime green creeping jenny, as well as the "fiery red and pink welcome at reception" notes outandaboutlive.co.uk.

Joint third place was awarded to Blackshaw Moor and Tewkesbury Abbey for their decorated reception areas. All of the displays were evaluated on their layout and creative use of space, variety, innovation and flair. Particular attention was paid to how economical the landscaping was and how much needed to be invested in maintenance. The judges also considered the geographical location of the site and whether the plant species chosen suited the local environment.