East Ayrshire Council garden competition winners selected

A yearly event recognises the top amateur gardeners from across East Ayrshire.

A special award ceremony, sponsored by Tivoli Group Ltd and Gemmells Garden Centre, was held recently at the Burns Monument Centre in Kilmarnock and was attended by former provost Jim Todd, who presented the awards, as well as councillors Jim McMahon and Barry Douglas.

Mr Dorrian of Eriff Road in Bellsbank was crowned winner of the best council garden category, while Mr Welsh from Newmilns claimed the title of best private garden.

Mr Dorrian with former provost Todd. (Image: David Gordon) Both gardeners were recognised for their spectacular colours, clever planting and creative garden design.

Netherthird Community Garden claimed the top prize for best community garden in the area.

The environmentally friendly award went to Mr Muir from New Cumnock, while Mr Hunter in Ochiltree won the best newcomer.

New Cumnock cleaned up further awards, with the village being named the most vibrant in the area ahead of runners-up Catrine, and Afton Court was named as the most vibrant street.

A special achievement award also went to Mrs Fox from Muirkirk.

The task of judging the overall winners for council and private gardens rested with the executive committee of the East Ayrshire Federation of Tenants and Residents.

The three areas of Cumnock and Doon Valley, Kilmarnock Central and North, and Kilmarnock South and Irvine Valley were judged by specialists from the council’s Greener Communities and Housing Services, along with federation representatives.

Mr Dorrian's garden claimed top prize for best council garden. (Image: David Gordon/East Ayrshire Council) Councillor Jim McMahon, who gave the official welcome, said: “It was fantastic to meet all our finalists and chat with them about their passion for gardening.

"The hard work of these wonderful people 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.

“We had a new award category this year – the John McKenzie memorial award for best community garden. John was one of our Tenant Volunteer champions who very sadly passed away last year."

Cllr McMahon added: "The memorial award recognised John’s tireless work in communities throughout East Ayrshire. I was delighted that John’s daughters Victoria and Amberley attended the award ceremony and presented the award to Netherthird Community Garden.

“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.”