A green-fingered council worker who single-handedly maintains one of the borough's best parks has been crowned London's Gardener of the Year.
Terence Meredith, known as Tec, was given the award at the London in Bloom competition on September 18.
Mr Meredith who works for council contractor Continental Landscapes tends to the plants in Coombe Wood in South Croydon.
His career began with a three-year apprenticeship at Hampton Court, before he specialised in botanical studies on pests and diseases.
Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said: "This is a fantastic accolade for Tec’s hard work and devotion to Coombe Wood.
"The council is incredibly lucky to have people like this who are so committed to maintaining the borough’s green open spaces."
Croydon's Happy Valley was named London's country park of the year and maintained its gold status.
Other green spaces in the borough to receive gold awards were Lloyd Park, Haling Grove, Wettern Tree Garden, Mitcham Road Cemetery and Mr Meredith's own Coombe Wood. Coulsdon Memorial Ground and Westow Park followed closely behind with silver gilt certificates.
The RHS judges also recognised the work of local people, with a number of residents’ awards for groups who volunteer to look after public green spaces.
The Friends of Westow Park achieved an ‘outstanding’ certification and other awards went to Birdhurst Community Gardening Group, Friends of Grangewood, Reeves’ Corner, Thomas Turner Path, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Crystal Palace Transition Town and Friends of Haling Grove.
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