| Sizzling success secret of holiday park's winning blooms |
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Abandoned barbecues used as planters have helped a Windermere holiday park to triumph in the annual Cumbria in Bloom Awards. Park Cliffe took the top spot in the “visitor attractions” category for the colourful and attractively designed floral displays within its 25-acre grounds.
The accolade was presented at the Cumbria in Bloom finals held last week at Graythwaite Manor Hotel – and stepping up to receive the winning cut-glass rose bowl from competition patron Lord Cavendish were park manager Arlene Lovatt and groundsman Roger Holmes. A runner-up in previous years, this is the first time that Park Cliffe has scooped the top prize – and Arlene says she is thrilled that everyone’s efforts at the family-run business have paid dividends. Situated on the eastern shores of Windermere, the park plays host to thousands of holidaymakers each year. Some own holiday homes on the park, whilst others bring touring caravans, motorhomes or tents. The park’s carefully maintained grounds are a feature often praised by guests – and the highlight in spring and summer is a huge variety of blooms which are also visible to the passing public. Although many of the flowers and shrubs are in conventional hanging baskets, borders and garden areas, others are displayed in barbecues sometimes left behind by holidaymakers after their stay. According to Susan Dickson, who owns the park with her husband Derek, the barbecues would otherwise just go to landfill – but now make attractive and sturdy planters. Their re-use, she said, also supports the park’s environmental policies which have led it receiving a number of other “green” accolades, including the gold David Bellamy Conservation Award. As well as thanking managers Tim and Arlene Lovatt, Susan also paid tribute to the efforts of the park’s groundsman Roger Holmes: “Designing, planting and maintaining our annual display takes a massive effort by everyone, but the results are really worthwhile,” said Susan. “Another bonus is the wide variety of butterflies which are attracted to the many high pollen-bearing species which we plant, and which children especially adore,” she added. |
