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Norwich garden wins national award
KATE SCOTTER
25 August 2009 10:42
It may be a little bit of paradise tucked away off a busy street in Norwich but now an exotic garden has attracted national acclaim after winning a top award.
Jon Kelf's Jungle Garden has been named as the “Best Garden in Britain” in the Daily Mail 2009 National Garden Competition.
A labour of love for nine years, the garden boasts more than 200 different and unusual types of plants including palms, bamboos, bananas, gingers, cannas and more.
The 26ft by 60ft garden in Tollhouse Road, just off Dereham Road, won the annual competition after receiving the most votes from members of the public.
Mr Kelf, 41, who lives with his girlfriend Dawn Blower, said: “I still can't believe it and I'm a bit shocked. It still hasn't really sunk in yet.
“I never anticipated gaining a place in the finals and actually winning “The Best Garden in Britain” competition. Jungle Garden was one of the smallest gardens and the only one surrounding a new house.”
The garden features a decked path lined with interesting exotica, leading up several levels and giving the illusion that the garden is bigger than its actual size. At the top there is a seating area in both sun and shade to relax and soak up the surroundings.
The Jungle Garden
The electrical engineer, who sought inspiration from the Far East, has received a wall plaque for winning which he has now put on display in his garden.
He added: “Thanks for the support from the Evening News as I'm sure it encouraged more people to vote and thanks to everyone who voted, otherwise I wouldn't have won.
“I hope it will encourage new visitors and more small and exotic gardens to open for the National Garden Scheme in Norfolk.”
Last weekend, visitors had the chance to look around the garden for the second year running as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) which raises money for charity.
Mr Kelf's garden had to fight off competition from others in the NGS scheme in Hampshire and Lincolnshire which also made it into the final five.
Anthea Foster, NGS county organiser, said: “The Jungle Garden is unusual with its exotic planting, small dimensions and layers of decking compared to a more formal garden.
“It is a great acclaim for Jon Kelf and the Jungle Garden but also for Norwich, Norfolk and the Norfolk National Gardens Scheme.”
It was a very special garden, small but so interesting and well designed.
Well done to Jon and Dawn.
You can see this via the Eveningnews 24 site.
Lizx
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