Winners of Six Town Housing's borough wide gardening competition announced

The Flower Power competition, which was run for people that live in homes managed by the housing organisation, as well as others living in their community, received 232 entries for the 8 categories. These included 'best communal garden', 'best edible garden', 'best individual garden' and 'most improved garden'.

Winners received £100 in gardening vouchers, while the winner of a young gardener award received a mix of gardening, toy and book vouchers.

Two previous winners, Duncan Smith and Tony Evason, judged the competition and visited gardens across the borough. Tony won best communal garden in 2016 with his neighbours, and Duncan won most improved garden in 2017.

John Merrick, neighbourhoods director at Six Town Housing, said, “We received a record number of entries to the competition this year and it was a tough job for the judges as they were all fantastic.

"Each competition entrant should be proud, as their gardens are not only enjoyed by them but brighten up their neighbourhood for everyone.”

Jean McCabe, winner of the award for best pots, baskets and small spaces, said: "I'm very grateful to Six Town Housing for organising the competition every year to encourage people to look after their garden. It means that other people can enjoy the area."

Carol Lewis, winner of the best individual garden, said, "Since I've been bad on my legs, I have spent more time in the garden. Even when I'm in pain my thoughts get lost when gardening. I'm really pleased, but never thought for a minute I would win. It just goes to show, take the time to enter!"

The full list of winners and runners up can be viewed at www.sixtownhousing.org/flowerpower.