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Permalink Reply by Jax on March 6, 2014 at 22:49

I was told we didn't have to apply as we were all automatically entered?
Or is that another competition got residence on golden lane ?

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Permalink Reply by Maria Elizabeth Prior on March 7, 2014 at 0:37

Hi Christine.  Funny you should mention this.  Indeed, I did enter this competition in 2012, I think, to display the 'roof garden' on the third floor of Crescent House that I maintain.  A couple of people came round to judge, stated they were impressed, and said they wanted to come back.  When they never did, I made enquiries, only to be told that the 'roof garden' did not 'meet the criteria'.  Apparently, it has to be seen by the general public to qualify.  I pointed out that the area in question is right next to the top floor guest flats, and that I have met many of the general public, including some from around the world, who have made some lovely compliments about the area.  They, I am told, appreciate the fact that there is a 'green' display on this floor, in comparison to the lower two floors, where there is nothing outside the guest flats.  Despite the fact I am told that some specifically request the top floor guest flats, that still is not good enough.  I guess its a case of if 'your face doesn't fit', and I know what that means. 

Also, during last year's annual garden competition, this area was also not judged, because, apparently, there had been a 'complaint'!  This is despite the fact that the majority enjoy the area.  as far as I'm concerned, those people are the best 'judges', as they are, at least, saying what they honestly think.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Hudson on March 7, 2014 at 10:47

Hi Maria

Sorry to hear about your bad experience in 2012. I hope it won't put you off entering this year. If you look on the Friends of City Gardens website http://www.friendsofcitygardens.org.uk/FCGcityInBloom.php you will see the various categories for entering. Residents are very welcome to enter their balconies and roof gardens  - because as you know they add hugely to the beauty of the Golden Lane in the summer and the enjoyment of the general public. We really want residents to enter this year - so please download the form from the City's website http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/city-garde... or contact me or Christine and we can pop over and fill it in with you.

Best wishes

Sarah

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Permalink Reply by Steve Daszko on March 7, 2014 at 15:33

"Hobbitville" is a lovely area and we are lucky that Maria provides it!
 
Maria Elizabeth Prior said:

Hi Christine.  Funny you should mention this.  Indeed, I did enter this competition in 2012, I think, to display the 'roof garden' on the third floor of Crescent House that I maintain.  A couple of people came round to judge, stated they were impressed, and said they wanted to come back.  When they never did, I made enquiries, only to be told that the 'roof garden' did not 'meet the criteria'.  Apparently, it has to be seen by the general public to qualify.  I pointed out that the area in question is right next to the top floor guest flats, and that I have met many of the general public, including some from around the world, who have made some lovely compliments about the area.  They, I am told, appreciate the fact that there is a 'green' display on this floor, in comparison to the lower two floors, where there is nothing outside the guest flats.  Despite the fact I am told that some specifically request the top floor guest flats, that still is not good enough.  I guess its a case of if 'your face doesn't fit', and I know what that means. 

Also, during last year's annual garden competition, this area was also not judged, because, apparently, there had been a 'complaint'!  This is despite the fact that the majority enjoy the area.  as far as I'm concerned, those people are the best 'judges', as they are, at least, saying what they honestly think.

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Permalink Reply by Maria Elizabeth Prior on March 7, 2014 at 23:55

Thanks very much Sarah, and Christine for your kind words.  I appreciate it.  However, it was made clear to me at the time that somehow my 'roof garden' did not meet the criteria, even though many of the public saw it.  To me, I have realised that the most important 'judges' are those people I have had the pleasure in meeting, mostly staying in the guest flats, or visitors, who have said how much they enjoy seeing some greenery in an area they didn't realise had it.  As for the COL claiming there were some 'complaints', that I was told never came from my neighbours, but, from what I recall, it was someone who lived the other end of the block, over 8 years ago!  They choose to ignore the majority, who approve, and instead focus on the tiny majority who do not!  Therefore, I don't see any point in entering, for obvious reasons, but am grateful to you both for your confidence in me.  That is far more important than any prize! 
 
Christine Clifford said:

Thanks Sarah. Yes Maria I will make sure you are not treated like that again although I can't do anything about anyone complaining :-)

One of the benefits of me being on the friends of City gardens committee. ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Maria Elizabeth Prior on March 7, 2014 at 23:56

Thanks Steve.  I love it being called 'Hobbitville'!  This summer I have some plans to make it even better.  X
 
Steve Daszko said:

"Hobbitville" is a lovely area and we are lucky that Maria provides it!
 
Maria Elizabeth Prior said:

Hi Christine.  Funny you should mention this.  Indeed, I did enter this competition in 2012, I think, to display the 'roof garden' on the third floor of Crescent House that I maintain.  A couple of people came round to judge, stated they were impressed, and said they wanted to come back.  When they never did, I made enquiries, only to be told that the 'roof garden' did not 'meet the criteria'.  Apparently, it has to be seen by the general public to qualify.  I pointed out that the area in question is right next to the top floor guest flats, and that I have met many of the general public, including some from around the world, who have made some lovely compliments about the area.  They, I am told, appreciate the fact that there is a 'green' display on this floor, in comparison to the lower two floors, where there is nothing outside the guest flats.  Despite the fact I am told that some specifically request the top floor guest flats, that still is not good enough.  I guess its a case of if 'your face doesn't fit', and I know what that means. 

Also, during last year's annual garden competition, this area was also not judged, because, apparently, there had been a 'complaint'!  This is despite the fact that the majority enjoy the area.  as far as I'm concerned, those people are the best 'judges', as they are, at least, saying what they honestly think.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Daszko on March 8, 2014 at 8:47

Execellent Maria. Are you planning to install a bar there and sell cocktails???

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Permalink Reply by Maria Elizabeth Prior on March 8, 2014 at 15:01

My dear Steve, I don't know about cocktails, but have had many a pleasant summer evening out there with friends, and some wine etc.  Some have suggested I also serve afternoon tea!  You could be onto something here!  Ha! X
Steve Daszko said:

Execellent Maria. Are you planning to install a bar there and sell cocktails???

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