MICHAEL Clarke has been showing off his garden in Berneslai Homes’ annual gardening competition since ‘day one’.
But this year, the only people admiring Michael’s efforts will be Michael himself and anyone he invites into his garden - as the competition is no longer open to anyone in Barnsley, with entry being restricted to Berneslai Homes tenants only.
“My house is full of trophies, I’ve won the competition nine times for my vegetable garden, hanging baskets and planters,” said Michael, of Station Road, Wombwell.
“There’s no other organisations running anything like this in Barnsley, it’s important.
“We’ve been given no reason why, that’s what’s nagging me - whether it’s been costing too much money or what, we’ve not heard anything.”
The annual competition has been run by Berneslai Homes and Barnsley In Bloom since 2003, and has recognised green-fingered members of the Barnsley community in categories including best planter, vegetable garden, and basket display, with a separate over 60s section.
Michael, 79, plans his year around working in his garden, which contains around 250 potted plants and 30 hanging baskets on the side of his house.
He said: “I’m in the garden every day.
“I look forward to every year, and it’s not only me. Other people have spent a lot of money to put their displays out in time.
“I won’t do the outside of my house with the same enthusiasm now.
“It makes you go, ‘well that’ll do’, I haven’t got that same passion I had before to make it look nice.
“I have done it all my life, so I will carry on. It’s just been interesting entering the competition and seeing what I can achieve.”
Michael, who also makes walking sticks and keeps poultry in his garden, asked Berneslai Homes why the entry criteria had changed, but was simply told the organisation had held a ‘review’ of the garden competition.
A spokesman for Berneslai Homes confirmed to the Chronicle the decision was made due to the dwindling number of entrants.
He said: “We have written to previous entrants thanking them for their support and commitment in the past, wishing them continued success and enjoyment with their gardening endeavours.
“We appreciate everyone’s efforts in maintaining their gardens to such a high standard that helps to ensure that estates across the borough are attractive and also encourages others to maintain their gardens.
“Last year’s private entrants who won a trophy have also been informed that they can keep their trophies as a token of our appreciation and thank them for their efforts and to keep up the good work.”
