Gardening Against the Odds: growing roses in tricky ground The two plots at Haringey's Golf Course allotments had been found unworkable by three previous gardeners who had failed to coax anything out of difficult sites, shaded in part by mature oaks. But thanks to George Dunnion's and Serge Charles's combined horticultural skills, knowledge and boundless energy, a spectacular garden now flourishes. "We have the history of the rose here between the two plots," explains George, who knows the name, habit and history of all the 130 roses that clamber among delphiniums, sweet peas and clematis over Serge's pergolas and arbours. Among the French roses are 'Madame Hardy," named after Empress Josephine's gardener at Malmaison, and 'Reine de Violette." George's own favourite is 'Cuisse de Nymphe," a shell-pink alba that the Victorians renamed 'Maiden's Blush." Susan Bennett, who has nominated Serge and George for the Gardening Against The Odds awards, says: "Their love for 'The Rose" shines through and can be heard in their voices and seen on their faces as they describe the flowers" virtues." Running along the length of the plots is a border of exotic plants including Tetrapanax, Kirengeshoma, Inula, banana, Kalopanax, Canna, Aconitum, Veronicastrum and Eupatorium. A raised bed for alpine plants built by Serge brings colour, and salvia, marjoram, thyme, planted through with dianthus, are in full flush in the lavender-bordered herb garden, which is topped with roses and clematis. No allotment is complete without vegetables. "We're all a bit Joy Larkcom here," says George. "We have an asparagus bed, cabbage and lettuce, including the intriguingly named 'Fat Lazy Blonde."" George retired from the Civil Service three years ago. Serge is a therapeutic gardener, helping people who have become disabled as a result of a stroke or other illness. They love the allotments, as do visitors who enjoy the peace and beauty as well as the friendly welcome. Visit Golf Course Allotments on September 2 (see ngs.org.uk) How to enter the awards The Gardening Against The Odds awards are organised by The Sunday Telegraph in association with the Conservation Foundation (conservationfoundation.co.uk) in memory of the writer Elspeth Thompson. To nominate an individual or group who has created a beautiful garden in the face of physical or psychological odds, or, like George and Serge, have transformed a barren or hostile space, go to telegraph.co.uk/gardeningawards. Entries can also be sent by post with details of the owner's name, address, region, telephone number and email address and nominator's name and contact details. Describe briefly why the garden should win a Gardening Against The Odds award, what the "odds" are and details of the horticultural highlights. Please attach at least two clear digital photographs taken this year and address to Gardening Against The Odds Awards, Life, The Sunday Telegraph, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW11 0DT. Closing date: Monday, September 17, 2012.