Leamington's parks win several awards

Jephson Gardens won the independently-judged Green Flag award for the 11th year in a row.

The awards aim to recognise the best green spaces, and is given to parks that are clean, safe, sustainable and well-maintained.

A spokesman for the Green Flag awards said: “The gardens are a welcoming retreat in the town, with stunning floral displays, soothing fountains, birds and squirrels, spacious lawns and promenades, all framed by a collection of fine trees.”

More parks in the town received accolades at the Leamington Society Awards, which recognise projects that have transformed Leamington.

The Sensory Garden and East Lodge Garden, which are located within Jephson Gardens, both won awards thanks to their innovative designs.

The first incorporates all of the five senses to impress visitors, and was featured on the BBC show ‘The Instant Gardener’ earlier in the year. The garden has a xylophone for people to play and a mirrored arch at the entrance.

East Lodge Garden was designed to be insect-friendly and includes a resident beehive along with a gazebo that featured at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Awards were also given to two projects in Stamford Gardens off Rugby Road.

A mural and bespoke gates were created at the gardens in 2014 to reflect the character of the area.

The mural was painted by local artist Izumi Segawa and the gates were created by metalworkers Ironcraft from Leicestershire.

Chair of the district council Cllr Jane Knight said: “We are absolutely thrilled that our stunning parks and gardens have once again received the highest of national and local accolades.

“I would like to play tribute to the tireless work and endless talent of the Warwick District Council Green Spaces team in creating and maintaining these wonderful spaces for everyone to enjoy.

“The school holidays are approaching and we have lots of events and activities planned in our parks and we very much hope residents will be able to join us.”