Thanks to everyone who took part in this years competition, the standard was again extremely high. please see below information on official judging dates, notifications and our 2026 prizegiving event.
The official shortlisted garden judging will take place on Thursday 17 September. If you have been selected as a winner or runner up you will receive a letter inviting you to attend the prizegiving. if you were shortlisted but not a winner or runner up you will receive notification after judging date.
If you were not shortlisted but have received a highly commended certificate, we will notify you before the prize giving.
Prizegiving will take place on Friday 30 October 1pm to 4pm within the chambers, Council Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock.
Housing areas and categories
The judging will take place across three housing areas:
- Cumnock and Doon Valley
- Irvine Valley, Ballochmyle and Kilmarnock South
- Kilmarnock Central and North
A winner and runner up are selected in each of the following categories:
- Best Council garden
- Best private garden
- Best planters or hanging baskets
- Best vegetable garden
- Best newcomer
- Environmentally friendly
- The Jennifer Elliot Memorial Award (rose garden)
- Special achievement award
- East Ayrshire Overall winners
There are also three exciting categories for communities:
- Clean, green, vibrant street
- Clean, green, vibrant town or village
- The John McKenzie Memorial Award (best community garden)
Judging of the event
Please note that judging will take place between 1 July 2026 and 31 July 2026. We will contact you nearer the time to arrange any access required.
This year we are offering entrants the chance to send us photos of their garden as part of the judging process. Please email customerliaisonteam@east-ayrshire.gov.uk with three of your best photos highlighting your garden, along with your name and address.
The winner of each category will be chosen by council officers from Housing and Greener Communities. The overall winners will be selected by tenant representatives.
Winners and runners-up will be invited to attend a prize-giving later in the year.
Good luck everyone!