Paul Maynard MP, Blackpool North & Cleveleys, presented the winners of his Best Garden Competition at an event last Saturday held at Burnside Garden Centre. The competition opened in July this year with judging taking place in August and based on the Royal Horticultural Society’s criteria. All 10 shortlisted gardens were visited by Paul and his team. The Gardens were split in to a large and small category and an overall winner. The competition was sponsored by Burnside Garden Centre.
Commenting Paul said, “I had the idea during lockdown as I began to spend more time in my garden and I was noticing others were too. I wanted to trial the idea so limited the competition to the FY5 postcode area with in my constituency. We split the competition in to large, small, and feature categories to ensure that those with a garden of any size or those with perhaps just a balcony could apply. I was pleased than people entered their gardens and I enjoyed visiting each and everyone meeting constituents in the process. This is definitely something I’ll aim to do again next year and this time open it up to the whole constituency. I would like to thank Burnside Garden Centre for sponsoring the competition and also to the Thornton Cleveleys Horticultural society for providing support and advice.”
Elizabeth Frazer, winner of the Large Garden category added, “I sent in images of my garden, and I really didn’t expect to get short listed at all. Time went past and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I had won. It made me feel very proud for working hard and being recognised for it. It’s even given me the inspiration to join Royal Horticultural Society! It was very nice to see all the others that took part at the presentation in Burnside Garden Centre. We are all Garden enthusiasts and want to plan to visit each other’s. If they have this competition again, I will be entering 100%”.
Joan Hughes winner of the Best Small Garden category says, “What can I say… it was a joy to enter, it kept up my wellbeing and boosted my confidence ever so much! Everybody should enter. To know that I came first was so unbelievable, I always thought of it not so special, but to come out on top makes me feel I truly have the knack for creating a wonderful space. I will be spending my Burnside voucher on something that will remind me of the competition. Perhaps a nice ornament for the garden!”