Clackmannanshire Council Online

Clackmannanshire in full bloom

Despite the miserable summer everything has come up roses again in Clackamannanshire Council's annual best garden competition.

Forty eight entries were received for this year's eight categories: Floral; Allotment; Floral Containers; Commercial Premises; Vegetable; Garden; Newcomer; Biodiversity and Council Tenant.

Categories were judged on overall appearance and layout of the garden, creative use of plants, standard of cultivation and general garden maintenance.

Lead judge and Falkirk Council horticulturist Mike Joyce said: "Considering the weather we've had this year with a washout summer, low sunshine and spring frosts I was pleasantly surprised by the consistent high standards we saw across all categories. It a testimony to the enthusiasm, hard work and skill of Clackmannanshire's gardeners that they've been able to maintain such high standards."

The best overall garden prize went to Pamela Saunders from Upper Yetts of Muckhart.

Fellow judge Provost Tina Murphy thought the competition was getting more intense year by year.

"In most of the categories it was difficult to put a trowel between the competitors the standards were so high. Everyone who entered deserves our congratulations. Not only are they making the area a more pleasant place to live, but creating a tremendously positive impression of Clackmannanshire for visitors."

Winners will be presented with their prizes at a ceremony on 7th September.