A BUDDING gardener from Bovey Tracey has been recognised for her green fingered skills with an award from Sovereign Network Group (SNG).

Sophia Newman came first in the housing association’s In Bloom competition in the ‘Home Garden In Bloom ‘category.

She was among 139 submissions from gardeners and gardening groups who stood out from over 85,000 households across Southern England.

SNG customers live in a variety of homes and the In Bloom competition offered prizes across four categories of gardens with indoor, outdoor and community gardens, and green spaces all in contention.

Sophia proved to this year’s judges that her beautiful garden was a vibrant and colourful space and that she had showcased some great gardening skills.

She was awarded £200 in vouchers and a trophy for her win.

Sophia said: ‘My garden truly makes a difference to my everyday life. I start my mornings with breakfast outside, and it’s the last thing I see at night before the lights go off when I go to bed.

‘I love being able to enjoy it even in the evenings, with the lighting carefully arranged so it illuminates beautifully without disturbing the neighbours

‘For me, my garden is not separate from my home – it’s an extension of it.

‘A home would never feel complete without a garden, and I believe gardens should never be neglected or forgotten, because they are just as important as the rooms we live in’.

Matt Buckham, In Bloom judge and Managing Director at SNG’s Community Foundation, said: ‘It was really difficult to choose this year, but it’s certainly been a pleasure judging some brilliant gardens, plants and green spaces for our In Bloom competition.

‘While we aim to provide good quality places to live, it’s our customers who turn them into real homes to thrive in by adding colour, beauty and life’.

Ruth Picknett-Powell, Customer Influence Panellist and fellow In Bloom Judge, said: ‘Congratulations to all who took the time to apply, and well done to our winners.

‘I hope that you continue to garden and encourage everyone to apply again next year winners and applicants alike - tell others, let's get more people involved as even the smallest plot will support nature and wellbeing’.

You can view all the In Bloom Winners at https://www.sng.org.uk/in-bloom

SNG is one of the largest housing associations in England, providing over 85,000 homes in areas facing some of the most acute housing need across London, South East, South West and East of England, with an ambition to build an additional 25,000 homes over the next decade.

SNG is a leading builder of affordable homes, including for social rent, and it has a clear pathway to maximise its social and environmental sustainability through its ambitious and pioneering Homes and Place Standard alongside its planned £100m Community Foundation.