Garden awards for East Ayrshire’s greenest fingers!

East Ayrshire Council’s annual garden competition 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 Council’s headquarters in Kilmarnock. The award ceremony was officially opened by Councillor Jim McMahon, Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities, and the awards were presented by Councillor McMahon and Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council.

The trophy for best private garden in East Ayrshire was presented to Mr Hogg from Cumnock, while the trophy for best council garden was presented to Mr Dorrian from Bellsbank.

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

The task of judging the competition fell to the Executive Committee of the East Ayrshire Federation of Tenants and Residents, with specialists from the Council’s Greener Communities and Housing Services.

The Federation was represented at the awards by Marie Devine, who was presented with flowers by Depute Provost John McGhee.

Councillor Jim McMahon 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 or driving through East Ayrshire, I have really enjoyed seeing the finalists’ gardens and I know I am not the only one.

“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.”