Transport for London (TfL) has announced the winners of its highly anticipated annual “In Bloom” competition, which invites staff across London’s transport network to transform stations, depots, and offices into lush gardens of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and air-purifying plants. The competition aligns with the Mayor of London and TfL’s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability, all while contributing to the well-being of Londoners and visitors.
The “In Bloom” competition, which began in 1910 by the District Railway, continues a long-standing tradition that invites TfL employees to create green spaces at work. This year, over 60 entries from across the capital—ranging from West Croydon to Croxley and Upminster to West Ruislip—brought creativity and environmental awareness to the forefront.
Award Winners Celebrate Green Innovation
The competition featured a variety of categories, each showcasing different types of gardens flourishing across TfL’s network. This year’s “Gardens of The Future” theme award went to Northwick Park Underground station, where staff planted adaptable, sustainable, and edible plants that serve as a model for maximizing small green spaces.
Upminster Depot was the standout winner, securing both the “Best in Show” and “Best Newcomer” awards for transforming a disused patch into a vibrant garden. Their entry featured a wildflower meadow, a seating area, and artistic elements on portacabin walls.
Other winners include:
- Hainault Train Crew Accommodation (TCA): Awarded the John Knight Award for Best Tubs, Hanging Baskets, and Window Boxes for their welcoming garden at the office entrance.
- Morden Underground Station: Secured the “Fruits and Vegetables Award” for their impressive variety of produce, including pineapple, lemons, and limes.
- South Tottenham Overground Station: Won the “Cultivated Gardens” (station) category for expanding a garden on an embankment and engaging with local schools and pensioners.
- Hammersmith Service Control Centre: Took the “Cultivated Gardens” (depot) category, with a garden that allowed staff to sponsor trees and borrow from a tree library.
- Abrams House, High Barnet: Won “Indoor Gardens” for transforming a crew office into a “plant hospital” that revived struggling plants despite minimal sunlight.
- Sue Buck: Won the “Art in Bloom Award” for her multimedia canvas depicting “flowers of the future” with found objects and the future Piccadilly line train stock.
- Neasden Depot: Bagged the “Best Seasoned Entry” with a new irrigation system and well-laid gardens of gladioli.
- Ruislip Depot: Took home the “Environment Award” for reusing salvaged items like lawn chairs as planters, bringing vibrance to the depot.
- Willesden Junction Underground Station: Secured the “Sandra Wilkes Community Award” for transforming transitional spaces into colourful gardens filled with fruit trees, wildflowers, and pollinator plants in collaboration with community volunteers.
Promoting Sustainability and Well-being
The “In Bloom” competition highlights TfL’s commitment to sustainability. According to Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, “Climate change is a very real threat to all of us, and this year’s In Bloom competition had sustainability firmly at its core. The winners of In Bloom truly harnessed this message, creating unique and beautiful gardens which will brighten Londoners’ journeys while reminding us of the importance of looking after our planet.”
TfL’s Customer Director, Emma Strain, emphasized the benefits these gardens bring to both the community and the environment. London’s Tube and rail stations have been bursting with colour over the summer as our staff have been creating vibrant gardens for our In Bloom gardening competition. These not only brighten up local communities and customers’ journeys every day, but they also help to tackle climate change,” she said.
A Green Legacy for London
Almost a third of TfL’s 6,000-acre estate is covered in green vegetation, supporting more than 1,000 animal species and nearly 700 plant species. In addition to the “In Bloom” competition, TfL continues to reinforce its commitment to a greener future for London by integrating energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and promoting biodiversity through habitat creation.
TfL’s aim is to source 100% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and to enhance habitat protection across the transport network. With initiatives like wildflower planting in roadside verges and street tree drives, TfL’s efforts align with London’s status as the world’s first National Park City, home to thousands of parks, allotments, and natural habitats.
As the “In Bloom” competition continues to thrive, it not only brings joy and beauty to the daily journeys of millions of Londoners but also serves as a reminder of the positive impact collective efforts can have on the environment and the community.
