Blooming marvellous at Postal Headquarters

A Jersey Post employee had something to smile about last week when his green-fingered efforts won the Best Business category in this year’s St Saviour’s Parish in Bloom competition.

Postman Ali Newton, has transformed the front of Postal Headquarters with a magnificent floral display. Whilst Ali prides himself on his trademark sunflowers, he has nurtured a wonderful variation in type and size of flower this year, which clearly caught the eye of this year’s judges. Ali’s floral efforts were up against stiff competition from rival parish establishments including runners up, the Merton Hotel and NatWest (Longueville branch), but he pipped them all to the post to claim this year’s title.

“I am thrilled that this year’s garden has won the parish title,” said Ali. “It was so close last year, but we only managed second place. I was a bit more adventurous with my efforts this year, including some climbers by the doors which have worked really well, but I’m always so pleased with the sunflowers, they always add such a splash of vibrant colour.”

Ali’s green-fingered efforts began around five years ago with a few sunflowers at Jersey Post’s previous parcel depot in Commercial Street. The simple sunflowers evolved quickly into larger, more involved displays which won several titles in the St Helier in Bloom contest and which was affectionately known as “Queue Gardens”. When all parcel collections were moved to Rue des Pres, Ali was asked to work his magic at Postal Headquarters. Ali has the full support of the management team, and whilst he receives a small, annual budget from the company (he grows many of the flowers he uses from seeds), he uses his own time to create, nurture and maintain his floral masterpieces.

When asked what he most loves about his floral exploits, Ali said, “I love the challenge of growing and creating the display, but it’s seeing the colours brightening up a very grey industrial area that is so great – it really brings a smile to my face, but more importantly to the customers’ faces. As well as an award, I’ve had such wonderful compliments from customers this year, which is so rewarding; I just wish I could encourage some of our trading estate neighbours to join in the floral displays!”

Ali has offered his green-fingered expertise and advice to any Rue des Pres businesses who might like to follow suit and introduce some colour to their premises.