Three Manchester alleyways transformed into inner-city havens are now vying to be crowned the best

Some of Manchester’s most mistreated inner-city areas are among those to have been shortlisted for this year’s RHS and MEN Ginnel Garden Competition.

The Manchester Evening News spoke to some of the nominees in the Ginnel Garden Competition ahead of the final announcement coming soon, where the winner will be invited to attend the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show opening on 19 July and will win £1,000 to help transform their communal alley.

Nick Roberts, who lives on Landcross Road, in Fallowfield, has helped restore a section of the alley - off Furness Road - to deter anti-social actions and protect the birds, ducks, bees and butterflies that populate in the little green oasis.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

“I’ve been fighting to deter crime and vandalism in the area. Last week trash was dumped in the alley, pallets were removed and upturned, broken bottles and glass, and half the plant stock was destroyed and even defecated here - it’s difficult to deal with,” he told the MEN.

Nick has dedicated the alley in memory of his close friends Charlie, who also lived on Landcross Road, and Percy, who lived on Langley Road and both passed away in November 2019. It is also for Clint, the cat, who ‘ruled the alleyway’ for over 13 years and loved the area.

“The area has undergone stages of restoration from clearing out rubbish, uprooting weeds between the cobbles, wall detailing, and power washing. I’ve added dianthus, lavender, tomato plants, lobelia and a Chinese lantern tree - you live and grow around your environment and what you have,” Nick said.

When the MEN asked Nick what the competition meant to him, he said: “What I like about the competition is to receive