Portsmouth’s greenest gardens, community spaces, schools, and businesses have been celebrated at the Portsmouth in Bloom 2026 awards.
The event recognised the local residents and organisations helping to make the city greener, more colourful, and more wildlife-friendly during Portsmouth's centenary year.
The much-loved competition returned this year as part of Portsmouth100 and was run by Portsmouth City Council in partnership with The News and Portsmouth Water, under the expert guidance of award-winning gardening writer, author and television presenter Martyn Cox.
The revived competition focused on sustainable gardens and spaces that have adapted to the changing environment through thoughtful planting, reducing waste, supporting healthy soil and biodiversity, avoiding harmful chemicals and making efficient use of water resources.
At a special awards ceremony on Thursday 8 October, winners were presented with a trophy and a Waterfront Garden Centre voucher.
Councillor Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, said:
"Portsmouth in Bloom has highlighted the fantastic gardens, growing spaces and community projects that can be found across our city.
"The competition has celebrated not only beautiful spaces but also the effort that residents, businesses, schools and community groups are making to support nature, improve biodiversity and create greener neighbourhoods.
"As we mark Portsmouth100, it has been wonderful to see so many people taking part and helping Portsmouth bloom. Congratulations to all of our winners and everyone who entered."
The winners of Portsmouth in Bloom 2026 are:
Best Large Garden - Sally Craddock
Best Balcony or Container - Sandra Ward
Best Wildlife Garden - Graham Karl Martin
Best Nursery, School or College - Little Bears Pre-School
Best Communal or Community Garden - Royal Marines Memorial Garden
Best Borrowed Space - Ray Hunt
Best Growing Space - James Wiggins
Best Hotel, Pub or Restaurant - The Phoenix
Best Small Garden - Yvette Curtis
Best Small Garden - Brigitta Kovacs
Special Award for Biodiversity - Cate Butler
Special Award for Community Wellbeing - Milton Piece Community Allotment
Portsmouth in Bloom was revived as part of the city's centenary celebrations to encourage residents, businesses and organisations to create and maintain spaces that support wildlife, improve the local environment and bring communities together.
