Everything in the garden is lovely for

The green-fingered winners of Melplash Agricultural Society’s Gardens and Allotment competition 2023, have been announced. Regarded as the most prestigious garden competition in the area, the competition is open to all residents within a 12-mile radius of Melplash village church and celebrates the hard work, creativity and care that people put into their gardens.

Last year’s winners Kevin Trott, Jason Smith and Nicola Darby together with society president Michael Fooks and his wife Pam and society chairman Philip Hardwill, judged the event. Philip said: “Having the chance to accompany the judges to such an incredible variety of gardens was a huge privilege. The approaches that had been taken to overcome the soil, the varying terrain and difficulties of the individual plots was astounding. Every entrant is deserving of huge congratulations as they all produced lots which any professional would be proud to exhibit.”

The stewards for the two days were Peter Yeates and Cliff Pitcher.

Allotments

1: Winner of The Groves Nurseries Trophy – Scott

McGregor and Ruth Hennigan, West Allington

“A fine allotment containing various fruit and vegetables aimed at the kitchen garden. This plot was a good compromise of garden space, chill-out space, and functional allotment. A lovely place to be”

2: Ian and Anne Bark, Walditch

3: Ronald Gow and Julie

Lambden, West Allington Allotments

Small Gardens

1: Winner of The Valerie Bishop Memorial TrophyAndrew and Tracey Violet, Bridport

“Perfection! Attention to detail is extreme, every plant is perfect, and the lawn is amazing!”

2: Lois Pearson,

Beaminster

Joint 3: Val Bartlett, Bridport and Alexander Jones, Bridport

Medium Gardens

1: Winner of The Pitcher Trophy - Alison Waterman and Richard Middleton, Bridport “Very good use of space, colour, and levels. Good planting and knowledge. To fit this in with a day job and three boys is an absolute credit to you both.”

2: Jon and Cathy Harvey, Bridport

3: Peter Lacey, Lyme Regis

Large Gardens

1: Winner of The Fowler Rose Bowl - Guy and Gillian Livingston, Bridport

“Heaven on the hill, with classic cottage planting on many levels.

“Knowledgeable gardeners and well-presented all round. Very difficult to criticise anything!!”

2: Shirley Samways, Beaminster

3: Doug and Amanda Miners, Ryall

Special Award for Best Environmental and Wildlife Practice and winner of The George Payne Memorial Trophy – Shirley Samways, Beaminster