Squire’s Shows its Crowning Glory
Above: Squire’s Frensham won ‘Best Display’ award
Each garden centre was invited to create a display under the theme of “Crowning Glory” to commemorate the King’s Coronation this year. The results delivered a myriad of styles, interpretations, creativity and imagination – from a portrait of the King created out of moss (Squire’s Washington), a military guard of honour (Squire’s Badshot Lea), various representations of the crown included in many displays, as well as creations including numerous plants with royal names or associations. All 16 centres have delivered a real ‘royal’ feast for the eyes!
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “I have really enjoyed visiting each of our 16 garden centers over the last few weeks to judge the “Crowing Glory” Coronation displays. So much effort, enthusiasm and attention to detail has gone into them all to produce simply stunning displays. I would like to congratulate each centre team for all their creativity and energy and for giving our visitors something to thoroughly enjoy.”
“CROWNING GLORY” WINNING DISPLAYS
Best Display – the winning display was awarded to Squire’s Frensham. Located in front of the shop entrance, the display had a wonderful collection of plants including succulents, making up the Union Flag in shades of green and purple, to a background of ferns and environmental quotes from King Charles, placed alongside the display. It also included a life size crocheted crown, created by Squire’s Frensham, Café Bar Manager (and crochet queen), Emma Large. Sarah Squire, comments: “This display hit every note, from plant quality to originality, with all the many different elements working together magnificently. Congratulations, Frensham!”
In runners-up place in the ‘Best Display’ category is Squire’s Badshot Lea, for their interpretation of the medieval Coronation throne. Creatively devised from wooden pallets and surrounded by intelligent planting, the display is ‘guarded’ by colourful soldiers, each bearing a card with an historical Coronation fact.
Best Planting – this was awarded to Squire’s Hersham. The display has generous planting, expertly carried out by Hersham Plant Area Assistant, Nina Mantle, creating a brilliant balance between flowers and greenery and echoes the King’s love of nature, birds and birdsong – and wildlife in general. Thoughtfully put together, there is even a planting scheme available for customers so they can take ideas away and re-create elements at home. Sarah Squire comments: “This award is very close to my heart as it recognises skill and creativity in planting and showcases brilliant quality plants. Squire’s Hersham has done an amazing job. This display could grace any national flower show!”
The runner up in the ‘Best Planting’ category is Squire’s Twickenham. Sarah Squire comments: “The Twickenham team’s display has beautifully planted boxes representing each of the Home Nations, an arbour celebrating the Commonwealth painted with animals from member countries, and even the Queen’s terriers make an appearance!”
“Peoples’ Choice” Award – a new award this year and voted for by centre colleagues. The “Peoples’ Choice” was presented to Squire’s Woking for their eye-catching display at the front of the centre filled with vibrant red, white and blue planting, complete with a backdrop of the London skyline and its very own red telephone box.
Above from left: Squire’s Hersham was awarded ‘Best Planting’ and Squire’s Badshot Lea was runner-up in ‘Best Display.
Above from Left: Squire’s Twickenham was runner-up in ‘Best Planting’ category and Squire’s Woking received ‘People’s Choice’ award.
