Gardener’s question time

Photo: Chris Sunderland

STAR SPOT: Joe Swift in Oldham.

CELEBRITY gardener Joe Swift said Oldham was blooming great when he appeared at the town centre’s flower festival.

The “Gardener’s World” presenter took questions from the crowd at Saturday’s event — and gave his verdict on Oldham’s Britain in Bloom entry which includes a stunning garden in High Street.

“I think it’s brilliant,” said Joe, who was quizzed on everything from under-par tomatoes to lack-lustre lavender.

“Oldham is really setting an example.”

Joe’s previous visits to the borough have included filming in Alexandra Park.

He added: “Oldham has wonderful parks. It has a wonderful apprenticeship scheme delivering fantastic gardeners, which is something we all need.

“We are going through hard times; nothing is secure and councils have to make hard decisions but I just hope they continue their interest in gardening.

“It is such a brilliant thing: it’s about the community, health, brightening things up, civic pride.

The festival was organised by Oldham Business Improvement District, which brings businesses together to attract shoppers to the town centre, in conjunction with Oldham Council.

Catherine Nield and Graeme Gibson, from the council’s Secret Garden florist in Alexandra Park, also held flower-arranging demonstrations, with lucky members of the audience winning their creations.