Maggie’s garden in Withington
Manchester residents have united to transform their local green spaces and breathe new life into the city.
The In Bloom campaign, which encourages environmental awareness and community involvement, is part of the national RHS Britain in Bloom initiative which has sparked a wave of growth in gardens, planters, and green spaces, bringing together neighbours and local organisations to create vibrant, flourishing public areas across Manchester.
The It’s Your Neighbourhood and Northwest in Bloom awards, held to recognise exceptional community-driven green projects, celebrated unsung heroes who have rejuvenated spaces from small alleyways to prominent city landmarks this autumn.
There were an astounding 125 entries, including at ward-level and a total of 121 groups which entered the NWIB this year.
Judges assessed these green projects across Bronze, Silver and Gold categories, highlighting efforts that promote biodiversity, sustainability, and local pride.
The winners for In Bloom Manchester:
- Maggie’s Manchester in Withington: Level 5 – Outstanding (Gold), Best Hospice/Hospital
Maggie’s, a cancer support centre, combines exceptional garden design with its holistic care approach, offering a peaceful sanctuary for those facing life-changing challenges. The garden, managed by a dedicated group of volunteers, provides both a therapeutic space for gardening and a tranquil area for reflection.
- Plant Co-operative NOMA Gardens: Level 5 – Outstanding (Gold), NWIB Gardening for Wildlife Award, Pride of Manchester (Joint)
A driving force in urban gardening, the Plant Co-operative is based in the NOMA estate and focuses on promoting biodiversity through public green spaces, planters, and gardening events. Their work is reshaping the urban landscape by encouraging residents to get involved in sustainable gardening.
- Castlefield Forum & National Trust – Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester: Level 5 – Outstanding (Gold), Pride of Manchester (Joint)
The Castlefield Viaduct project has revitalized an iconic part of the city, blending history and nature. The site is a testament to community collaboration and showcases how unused urban spaces can be transformed into thriving green areas.
The winners for the Northwest Regional Awards:
- Levenshulme Ward: Silver
- Didsbury Ward: Gold, Best Urban Community
- Manchester City Centre: Gold, Best Large City
The In Bloom campaign is more than just about enhancing green spaces; it’s about fostering a sense of community pride and encouraging further volunteer involvement. By focusing on the preservation of local wildlife and creating cleaner, greener spaces, the initiative is strengthening connections between residents, businesses and councils.
The success of these projects signals a growing movement across Manchester to make the city not only flourish through greenery, but also more sustainable for future generations.
The Council is supporting those who want to make a difference either through advice, supplying plants and bulbs, and funding for volunteers with more information available at In Bloom Manchester.
Gary Rumens, of Castlefield Clean & Green, said: “It’s amazing to see what can be achieved when community groups and organisations like the National Trust come together with a shared vision. These awards aren’t just accolades—they’re a testament to the commitment we have to making Castlefield a vibrant, green space that benefits everyone. We’re setting a new standard for what urban greening can look like, right here in Manchester.”
Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “I am incredibly proud of the impact the In Bloom initiative has had on our city. The winners this year have truly exemplified the power of community spirit, turning forgotten spaces into vibrant, thriving green areas such as alleyways and urban spaces in our city.
“From the magnificent gardens at Maggie’s Manchester to the wildlife-friendly efforts at Plant Co-operative, these projects are reshaping our neighbourhoods, bringing residents closer together and fuelling positive effects of biodiversity.
“The In Bloom initiative continues to be open to helping others get involved, with projects no matter how big or small, if there is an area in Manchester that could benefit from gardening, we will ensure it blossoms.
“I hope to see the In Bloom initiative continue to spread across the city, creating more flourishing spaces that everyone can enjoy and take pride in.”