Rustington crowned UK floral champion

The village was presented with a Gold award at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom awards ceremony, at St Andrews, in Scotland.

But that was not all. Rustington, described by RHS judges as the “gem” of the south, scooped the coveted category winner in the town section of this year’s competition, making it the national champion.

A delegation from this year’s Rustington in Bloom committee attended the ceremony and came away stunned by the announcement.

Group member, Michael Harwood, of Ferring Nurseries, which has played a pivotal role in securing the prestigious titles, said: “This was a truly phenomenal achievement.

“It is the equivalent of winning the Chelsea Flower Show, and we couldn’t be any more proud.”

Chairman of the Rustington in Bloom committee, Valerie Narayanaswamy, attended the awards ceremony, hosted by celebrity gardener and television presenter, Rachel De Thame.

She said: “We were thrilled when it was announced that we were the category winners.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this year’s bid.”

Rustington Parish Council chairman, Andy Cooper, added his congratulations to all those who had worked so tirelessly over the past few months to make Rustington’s bid its most successful yet.

He said: “The hard work and dedication of the team from Ferring Nurseries and the local people of Rustington has been outstanding.”

Rustington was judged on three standards – horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility – and excelled in all categories.

Speaking after the awards, RHS Judge, Nigel Bishop, said: “As RHS Britain in Bloom judges we often see the best of British horticulture, whether it is seasonal or sustainable, we often meet passionate and incredibly dedicated people and see fantastic projects.

“Rustington had it all from the minute you enter to the minute you leave.

“You are immersed by horticulture of the highest standard, maintained with attention to detail and a passion for perfection.”