A DRAGON carving helped fire the enthusiasm of competition judges.
Ryde green crusaders from Melton Hall flats in Dover Street, won Southern Housing Group’s 2009 Greener Living Awards for their creative shared garden scheme, including the seat.
The awards acknowledge residents’ environmental achievements and were open to all 66,000 residents in more than 80 local authorities.
Sandy Ciccognani and Amanda Coyle, along with other Melton Hall residents, impressed the judges with the innovation and teamwork demonstrated by the transformation of their shared gardens.
The residents’ garden now boasts environmentally friendly features, including a wormery, bat bins, bike racks, new plants, a herb garden and a willow hut for the children.
Children also worked with Island craftsman, Paul Sivell, to design the wooden bench made from an old tree.
The busy mums plan to use their £250 winnings to involve children in growing their own fruit and veg.
Chairman of the housing group’s environmental sustainability working group, Valli Van Zijl, said: “We’ve had some inspirational entries this year, from neighbourhood recycling schemes to herb and vegetable projects, which makes Melton Hall residents’ achievement all the more impressive.”
Community film maker Sandy said: “It was a fantastic surprise to us to win the award because we didn’t begin the garden to win prizes.
“It was something Amanda and I cooked up to create a community feel and space for our children in which to play and learn. With our winnings we’re inspired to involve children in growing fruit and vegetables.
“We’d love to see them snacking on fruit we’ve grown in place of packets of crisps.”
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk