A Shropshire law firm has teamed up with the Shropshire Virtual Show in a bid to find the county’s best-kept garden as part of an online competition.
Aaron & Partners, based in Shrewsbury, is principal sponsor of the ‘Aaron and Partners Open Garden’ show, which encouraged Shropshire residents to send in images and videos of their gardens in full bloom.
The virtual show, which was aired on 22 August and saw more than 18,000 people tune in for the live performance, is still available to watch online, with spectators able to view a range of different events for free until 31 August.
A panel of professional gardeners judged each entry and selected a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize winner, as well as a ‘people’s choice’ category, which was open to a public vote.
Organisers hoped that the open garden show would provide Shropshire residents with the opportunity to showcase their inspirational gardens and connect with fellow garden enthusiasts.
All entrants were also encouraged to make a donation for charity, with the event also aiming to raise funds for the five charities behind the show; The Cavalier Centre, Dog A.I.D, Friends at the heart of RJAH, The Movement Centre and Shropshire Rural Communities Charity.
The show came as a replacement for the traditional Shropshire summer events that were cancelled due to coronavirus, and Hugh Strickland, Corporate Finance Partner at Aaron and Partners, says the cause was well worth supporting.
“It’s been a difficult time for many in the community recently, and with lots of planned events unable to go ahead, we wanted to show our support by backing this fantastic and innovative garden show,” he said.
“As a keen gardener and local resident myself, I know first-hand how many talented gardeners and brilliant patches we have across the area, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the show from the comfort of my own home.
“Aaron & Partners is always on the lookout to support good causes in the community, and this certainly fit the bill as a great way of bringing people together, albeit virtually, whilst raising money for charities working in Shropshire.”
Selina Graham, Chair of the Cavalier Centre, added: “As one of the five charities who have worked exceptionally hard to make this idea a virtual reality, we really appreciate the support of Aaron and Partners, which helped ensure the open garden show could happen.
“This sponsorship means a whole community of amateur gardeners in Shropshire were able to come together through the virtual show to share their creations, and we had some fantastic entries sent in with the standard of competition very high.
“The feedback from show day was extremely positive and the garden show was a huge success. For anyone who missed the show, the entire event is still available to watch online, and I’d urge everyone to visit our website to see live music, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations and more.”
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