East Ayrshire Council garden competition winners announced

East Ayrshire Council’s annual garden competition recognises the top amateur gardeners from across the area.

A special award ceremony, sponsored by Tivoli Group Ltd and Gemmells Garden Centre, was held recently at the Burns Monument Centre in Kilmarnock.

The trophy for best overall private garden in East Ayrshire was presented to Mr Hogg of Oakbank Drive, Cumnock.

The trophy for best overall council garden was presented to Miss Muir of Lanfine Quadrant, Darvel.

Best Private garden in East Ayrshire (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

Both gardeners were recognised for their spectacular colours, clever planting and creative garden design.

Other winners included Mr Robertson from Hamilton Drive, New Cumnock winning the best council garden in Cumnock and Doon Valley, with Mr Campbell of Watson Terrace, Drongan finishing runner-up.

Ms Willison of The Holm, Cumnock came in second for best private garden in Cumnock and Doon Valley, behind overall East Ayrshire winner, Mr Hogg.

Mr and Mrs Lindsay of Carnshalloch Avenue, Patna came in second place for best vegetable garden.

Mr Muir of Afton Road, New Cumnock was awarded the environmentally friendly award.

There were local representatives of the Cleaner Greener Most Vibrant Village, with Catrine coming out on top, with Sorn finishing second.

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Afton Court, New Cumnock also came second in the Cleaner Greener Most Vibrant Street award.

Councillor Jim McMahon said: "It was fantastic to meet all our finalists and chat with them about their passion for gardening.

"Working in the garden can be so rewarding and can help our overall wellbeing, but the hard work of these wonderful people also has a huge impact on their communities bringing colour and improving biodiversity.

"While I’ve been out walking within my own Ward, I have really enjoyed seeing the finalists’ gardens and I know I am not the only one.

"I was also very touched to hear that one of our finalists from Stewarton has cut his lawn into the shape of a guitar as a tribute to his beloved brother, who was a guitarist."

He added: "It shows that a garden can mean so many things to so many different people and can be a place of reflection and solace.

"A huge well done to everyone involved, particularly our judges, who had an unenviable task; to Greener Communities and Housing Services for their hard work organising the competition and to all our gardeners, who have my thanks and appreciation."