Victorious, green-fingered and glorious!
Green-fingered residents from across the District converged on Mansfield's Civic Centre on Wednesday (17 September) for the results of the Best Kept Garden competition.
This is the climax of months of preparation: the competition was launched in May and experts from Mansfield District Council's Parks department carried out a judging tour in July and August.
Mansfield District Council's Vice-Chairman, Councillor Mick Barton, handed out the awards to the winners of the different categories, including: Best Front Garden, Best Commercial Premises and Best Allotment.
The winners of the Best Overall Garden (and the Best Back Garden category) were Avril and John Marshall of Meadow Bank, Mansfield Woodhouse.
The judges were particularly impressed with their garden, which they describe as having lots of novelty, features: three New Zealand tree ferns, labernums and a statue of Pandora with a gothic arch.
Mr and Mrs Marshall are thrilled with their win: "We are very pleased with this. The trophies will take pride of place in our trophy cabinet."
"We have been taking advantage of Mansfield District Council's composting for years and the soil has benefited from this. You can't grow good flowers without good soil."
Councillor Eddie Smith, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Mansfield District Council, who attended the ceremony, commented: "The Best Kept Garden competition is a wonderful opportunity for Mansfield's many green fingered residents to demonstrate their gardening skills."
"It is also a great opportunity to demonstrate our pride in the district and show it district at its best."
Winners in Full
Best Kept Commercial Premises: Ashlands Residential Care Home
Best Kept Street: Halifax Avenue
Best Kept Wildlife/Conservation Area: Wynndale Primary School
Best Kept Front Garden: Denise Hague
Best Kept Back Garden: Mr & Mrs Marshall
Best Container/Hanging Basket: Mr Hind
Best Allotment: June Gammond
Best Allotment Newcomer: June Gammond
Most Outstanding Garden: Mr & Mrs Harvey
Best Overall Garden: Mr & Mrs Marshall