Over 25 households on West Avenue in the Oldfield Park area of Bath have joined together in the street’s first-ever sunflower growing competition.
Ava Noonan, Councillor June Player and Helen Cooke | Photo © Jack Sterling Leemans
Last weekend, 16th August, saw the finale of the competition with Councillor June Player measuring each entry independently. The winning plant reached a whopping 259cm in height.
Resident Helen Cooke organised the competition, collecting seeds, sowing them in small pots and then distributing the baby plants to households.
Participants donated £1 for their seedling with the grower of the tallest sunflower winning the money.
Ms Cooke said: “It’s something a few of us thought about previously, as there’s one house that grows giant sunflowers every year.
“The greater sense of community created by the Covid lockdown has brought everyone together and the street started meeting at our front doors once a week in March.
“We’ve all met neighbours that we didn’t really know at the beginning of the year and this competition has been part of that community cohesion.
“You don’t need green fingers to grow a sunflower and neighbours of all ages and abilities can take part.
Ava Noonan grew the tallest sunflower and younger sister Orla was runner up. She said: “It’s been getting competitive and progress of everyone’s plant has been a talking point.
“A few weeks ago I had no idea my sunflower would end up being the tallest. There are lots of different types of sunflower along the street, with some houses growing several.
“Taking part has been brilliant and I think everyone’s a winner. My top growing tip is just leave it to enjoy the rain and water it if the weather’s hot.”
Councillor June Player added: “This competition is a great idea that any street could participate in – plus they are so cheerful looking and really lift one’s spirits.
“It would be fantastic to see sunflowers all over Westmoreland/Oldfield Park next year.
“I was really delighted to be invited to judge this competition and have been to the houses with the tallest sunflowers armed with my own measuring tape!
“I love any kind of event like this as it also helps to promote pride in our community and I shall be suggesting my street follows suit next year.”
Residents are being encouraged to collect some of their seeds to plant next year and then save the rest for the birds to enjoy over the cooler months.
