Summer garden competition - prize winners!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered our summer garden competition! We loved seeing so many beautiful gardens. The judging wasn’t easy, but we’re pleased to announce the four prize winners...

• Winner: Ms Murphy – wins a £100 voucher
• 2nd place: Marie Burnett – wins a £50 voucher
• 3rd place: Dawn and Roger Symons – win a £25 voucher
• Sustainable garden: Maria Conopo – wins a £50 voucher

Ms Murphy's garden

MS Murphy's garden is a true labour of love. She told us how she keeps her garden looking lovely and has some advice for any budding gardeners.

“Gardening isn’t a task for me, it’s a hobby. There’s nothing better than planting flowers or sowing seeds and seeing them flourish and grow. My garden is my sanctuary, I go out and potter daily, it’s my peace and tranquillity time.

“Anyone can garden! I’m mostly self-taught, but I did look and learn from my late mum – she was an avid gardener. These days I have many health issues, But I won’t let that stop me doing what I love! Gardening should be a pleasure not a pain.

“I enjoy sitting peacefully in my garden with a coffee in hand admiring the view. Feeling very satisfied and proud knowing “I did that”.

“And I love being in the garden, listening to the birds. There are lots of red kites around here, so I often hear that red kite call - it’s truly beautiful. Never underestimate the power of nature.

“The best advice I can give is..do a little every day then it doesn’t become a huge task. Get gardening guys! It’s good for the soul.”

What the judges said about her gorgeous garden:

“It’s full of colour and character. There’s so much to look at with the mix of pots, baskets, and borders.

“We especially loved the hanging baskets, they’re a work of art! And the garden ornaments and thoughtful finishing touches throughout are wonderful. Everything looks really healthy – the lawn, the beds and the quality of the plants. And so nice to see the bird table and bird bath.”

Marie's garden

The before and after photos of Marie’s garden, show just what can be done with a blank canvas, some creativity, and a lot of love and hard work!

Marie told us why she loves her garden and how she’s transformed it over the last two years.

“I'm really proud of my garden and how far it’s come. When I moved in two years ago, there was only a rose, a dwarf tree and a fuchsia bush here.

“I’ve wheelbarrowed in a tonne of soil, created veg gardens and done all the planting, including two magnolias in memory of my late husband.

“I’m growing a wide variety of fruit and veg…strawberries, raspberries, onions, garlic, peas, green beans, kale, Swiss chard, carrots, beetroot, salad leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, aubergines, herbs, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.

“I’ve worked hard and enjoyed turning it into my little haven. I love to sit in the summerhouse and look at what I've achieved.”

What the judges said about Marie’s lovely garden:

“The garden has such a calm, serene feel. It’s obvious that a lot of love and hard work has gone into it over the last two years.

“The variety of plants, colours and textures work perfectly together. Creating the veg gardens is a great achievement, really inspiring!

“The magnolias in memory of your husband are such a lovely idea. And the summer house is gorgeous – looks a peaceful place to relax and enjoy your garden.”

Dawn and Roger's garden

Dawn and Roger enjoy seeing their garden evolve and change through the seasons.

“We’re proud of our garden, as we started with a blank canvas, and it has evolved over time. It’s also forever changing, as things come to the end of their life, they are replaced with something else and the summer plants coming in.

“We find plant pots and statues at car boot sales, charity shops and recycle centres, and we collected some plants from freecycle.

“We really enjoy the garden and so do our visitors. Looking after it is very therapeutic, and it was our solace at a time when we couldn't leave the house.

What the judges said about Dawn and Roger’s garden:

“Your garden has a very relaxed feel. We really liked that you had different areas, with a variety of plants and lots of colour. And it’s nice to see a mix of baskets, pots, raised beds and borders.

“The ornaments and statues are wonderful; they give the garden real character. And it’s great that the pots and statues are reused and come from charity shops and car boots.”

Maria's garden

Maria’s garden is a colourful, recycled, magical fairy world! Maria explained more about what she and her family enjoy about their garden.

“I’m proud of my garden, as all the materials have been rescued from other peoples’ throwaways!

“It looks lovely when all the flowers are in bloom. And it attracts lots of frogs and wildlife. I even have a hummingbird moth which is lovely to watch.

“My little granddaughter, Lilith, believes there are real fairies in my garden, and she loves leaving little notes for them when she comes to stay.”

What the judges said about Maria’s lovely garden:

“It’s great that all the materials are recycled/reused, making it sustainable. There’s lots of colour. And the rose bush is magnificent.

“The night time picture with the lights is magical! We can see why your granddaughter believes the fairies are real. And it’s such a lovely story that she leaves notes for them.

“And we really liked the all the ornaments and statues – they give the garden a unique character.”