Greener Ealing is delighted to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Ealing Biodiversity Awards for Gardens & Green Spaces, organised by Cultivating Ealing (formerly Ealing in Bloom). Last year’s Awards were a great success, so Greener Ealing were keen to be involved again to support this fantastic competition. The Awards showcase the work of residents and groups who are helping to support wildlife by creating greener, more biodiverse outdoor spaces across the borough.
The key categories for the 2026 Awards are:
- Schools (entries by 5 June)
- Allotment Plots and Sites (entries by 5 June)
- Front gardens, terraces, micro gardens and balconies (entries by 3 July)
- Community Spaces & Streets (entries by 3 July)
To learn more and to enter, visit: http://www.cultivatingealing.uk/2026-competition
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Meet the volunteers behind Cultivating Ealing
As green fingered Ealing residents, from experienced gardeners to complete beginners, prepare their entries, we caught up with Debbie Fogarty and Glendra Read, Chair and Secretary respectively of Cultivating Ealing, to learn more about the voluntary group and their advice for anyone considering entering the competition.
When did you first get involved with Cultivating Ealing?
Debbie Fogarty (DF): I first joined the ‘Ealing in Bloom’ committee in 2015. When that committee dissolved in 2019, the previous Chairman suggested that I might carry the competition forward under a new name and hence Cultivating Ealing was born.
Glendra Read (GR): I was asked to join Cultivating Ealing’s committee in 2021. I’d heard about their competitions before, and I knew that Cultivating Ealing had taken over the competition after Ealing in Bloom had been dissolved in 2019. I’d also been invited to one of Ealing in Bloom’s very enjoyable award ceremonies in 2018 as a guest.
What were your interests in joining the committee?
DF: I grew up in a London borough where there were virtually no front gardens, so when I moved to Ealing more than 30 years ago, I immediately fell in love with its open spaces, parks, trees, and beautiful front gardens. That’s why I was so pleased to help establish Cultivating Ealing, encouraging more people to take pride in their neighbourhoods. I’ve also been fortunate to have had an allotment in Ealing for the past 16 years, and I find gardening incredibly therapeutic.
GR: I fully agree with Cultivating Ealing’s goals of encouraging gardeners to develop their green spaces for biodiversity. I’d been in teaching before I retired and was happy to promote school gardening. In addition, I manage an Ealing allotment site and have my own plot, so I felt I had something to contribute when judging plots and sites. I just love gardening!
Tell us about your particular role within Cultivating Ealing now.
DF: My first role on the Committee was Secretary, then I became joint Chair and now I am proud to be Chair of our small committee of 7 people. I also created our website and maintain our Facebook page.
GR: I started as a committee member in a team of 8 in 2021. In 2024, I was voted Secretary and have enjoyed this role very much. It’s great working with Debbie, and I like keeping people informed. I also like writing articles for our website to give people ideas and tips for biodiverse gardening.
What have you enjoyed most about working for Cultivating Ealing?
GR: I love going round to judge allotments, front gardens, community spaces or schools. But I think the awards ceremonies are extremely enjoyable! People are so proud of their achievements and it’s heartening to talk to the school children who have won certificates and cups. They are our future and if they are inspired to grow things then I think that’s a very good thing.
DF: I first started judging allotment plots and sites some years ago, and I always found it a pleasure to see the wonderful variety of vegetables, fruit, and flowers on display. Last year was my first experience judging school gardens, alongside Glendra, and it was an absolute joy. The enthusiasm and pride of the children as they showed us around their gardens and spoke about everything they were growing was truly heart-warming. One child proudly told us, “I tasted the yummy lettuce, and it was nicer than what you get in the shops”, while another commented “In my outdoor lessons I conquered my fear of bugs, especially pollinators because they are our friends”.
What would you say to someone who didn’t think their garden or green space was good enough to enter Cultivating Ealing’s competition?
DF: I would say that the competition isn’t about having a “perfect” garden — it’s about celebrating effort, care, and community spirit. Every green space, no matter its size or stage of development, has something special about it. Some of the most inspiring spaces aren’t the most polished — they’re the ones where you can see the love, creativity, and determination that’s gone into them. Whether it’s a few pots by a front door, a shared communal area, a wildlife-friendly patch, or a flourishing allotment, it all contributes to making Ealing greener and more welcoming. Taking part isn’t just about winning; it’s about being proud of what you’ve created and inspiring others to do the same.
GR: I’d say your garden or green space is probably more biodiverse than you think it is! I’d also say that the application form is easy to complete and there’s a helpful article about what the judges will be looking for. Take a look at our website for more information, helpful guides and inspiring photos of last year’s winning entries: cultivatingealing.uk. There are cash prizes to be won in all 4 categories (Front gardens, Community green spaces, Allotments, and Schools), which can be ploughed back into further improving your garden or green space. Just have a go!
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To learn more about the Awards, visit: cultivatingealing.uk/2026-competition
This year’s Biodiversity Awards are organised by Cultivating Ealing, supported by ActForEaling and sponsored by Greener Ealing, Ealing Council, Leslie & Co and Tom Boswell Trees.