The winners of the 2019 East Ayrshire garden competition were recognised at a ceremony at the Burns Monument Centre last month.
As ever, the competition was fierce, as residents across all of East Ayrshire’s communities completed for the coveted title of Best Garden. And despite the disappointing summer weather, the competition continues to attract a growing number of entries from both regular enthusiasts as well as some new faces.
Now in its 82nd year, the competition was open to anyone living in East Ayrshire with a garden, no matter how big or small, which is maintained by themselves and not a professional gardener. The competition is judged across four housing areas:
This year the Best Overall Garden award went to two winners, Mr Paton and Mr Johnstone, both Galston residents.In addition to all the neighbourhood winners, 87 commended/ highly commended certificates were issued. Sorn Village took the Cleaner, Greener, Most vibrant village Award; Netherthird Community Garden was hailed Cleaner Greener Most Vibrant Community and Afton Court the Award for Cleaner Green Most Vibrant Street.
Bob McCulloch, Head of Housing and Communities at East Ayrshire Council, praised the efforts of all the entrants. He said: “Every year our residents work hard to brighten up our streets and our communities with some of the most outstanding floral and garden displays, and this year was no exception, despite the poor weather conditions.
Congratulations to every one of you.”
Full winners list:
BEST COUNCIL GARDEN NORTHWEST KILMARNOCK: Mrs McClue
RUNNER UP: MR Pilkgavis
BEST PRIVATE GARDEN NORTHWEST KILMARNOCK: Mr Conning, Stewarton
RUNNER UP: Ms Sim
BEST COUNCIL GARDEN KILMARNOCK CENTRAL & SOUTH: Ms Dodds
RUNNER UP: Mrs Orr
BEST PRIVATE GARDEN KILMARNOCK CENTRAL & SOUTH: Mr Bircham
JOINT RUNNERS UP : Mr Lang, Mr Gray
BEST COUNCIL GARDEN IRVINE VALLEY & BALLOCHMYLE: Mr Paton, Galston
JOINT RUNNERS UP: Mrs Rowney, Galston and Mr Muir, Hurlford
BEST PRIVATE GARDEN IRVINE VALLEY & BALLOCHMYLE:Mr Johnstone, Galston
RUNNER UP: Mr Mitchell, Galston
BEST COUNCIL GARDEN CUMNOCK & DOON VALLEY: Mr Robertson, New Cumnock
RUNNER UP: Mr McMinn, Auchinleck
BEST PRIVATE GARDEN CUMNOCK & DOON VALLEY: Mr Hogg, Cumnock
RUNNER UP: Mrs Weir, Muirkirk
BEST VEGETABLE GARDEN: Mr Lindsay, Patna
BEST HANGING BASKETS & PLANTERS :Mr Laurie, Kilmarnock
BEST NEWCOMER:Mr & Mrs Mrugala, Darvel
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Mrs Meechan, Kilmarnock
CLEANER, GREENER MOST VIBRANT VILLAGE: Sorn
CLEANER, GREENER MOST VIBRANT COMMUNITY: Netherthird Community Garden
CLEANER, GREENER MOST VIBRANT STREET: Afton Court, New Cumnock
OVERALL WINNER COUNCIL: Mr Paton, Galston
OVERALL WINNER PRIVATE: Mr Johnstone, Galston