GARDENERS in the Borders celebrated as their green spaces were recognised at this year’s Peebles in Bloom competition.

And this year the competition welcomed entrants to a new category, ‘extra small garden’. Margaret Davidson (pictured) of Craigerne Lane is the first ever winner of this new prize. She said: “It’s a big surprise to win this award for my garden. It’s a very small space which takes lots of my time, imagination and love to grow – it’s thrilling to think that the community councillors, judges and residents involved in Peebles in Bloom were inspired by what I have created.”

Ms Davidson was among 27 residents and businesses who won awards at this year’s competition.

Border Telegraph: Winners with Les Turnbull. Photo: Peebles in BloomWinners with Les Turnbull. Photo: Peebles in Bloom

Winners received their trophies and certificates at a presentation at the Burgh Hall from chairman of Peebles Community Council Les Turnbull, and Rona Dodds from Quercus Plants who took on the role of head judge.

Mr Turnbull said: “Participants will have noticed this year that we have begun to recognise the climate emergency and rewarding gardeners who have been able to create beautiful gardens whilst trying be more sustainable in their choice of plants as well as providing habitats for wildlife.

“Also, we have found quite a number of very small gardens which deserve to be recognised which is why we have created a new category.

“I would like to offer my thanks and congratulations to all the winners, runners up and everyone who cherishes their garden which provides joy and inspiration to others.”

Border Telegraph: David and Margaret Anne McAllister's garden which won in the large garden category. Photo: Peebles in BloomDavid and Margaret Anne McAllister's garden which won in the large garden category. Photo: Peebles in Bloom

Head judge Rona Dodds added: “It was a pleasure to be part of this year’s competition and I feel inspired by the number of well planned, sustainable and creative spaces the residents of Peebles are creating in their homes, streets and town for us all to enjoy.”

Winners:

 

Extra Small Garden:

  • 1st – Margaret Davidson, Craigerne Lane
  • 2nd – Angus Barnett, Cademuir Drive
  • 3rd – Craigsford Cottage, Cross Street
  • Highly Commended - Jacqueline Argent & Brian Samwell, Venlaw Road;Sofie Furberg, Cross Street

Small Garden:

  • 1st – Mandi Bain, Connor Ridge
  • 2nd – Isabella McLeod, George Street
  • 2nd – Norma Thomson, Violet Bank
  • 3rd – Mr and Mrs Cruikshank, Hastoun Place
  • Highly Commended - Mr and Mrs Snoddy, Dukeshaugh

Medium Garden:

  • 1st – Richard and Abi Reed, Bonnington Road
  • 2nd – Helen Pretswell, Damdale
  • 3rd – Peter and Anne Maudsley, South Park
  • Highly Commended - Amanda Sewell, Tweed Green

Large Garden:

  • 1st – David and Margaret Anne McAllister, Craigerne Lane
  • 2nd – Jane and Christopher Butler Cole, Craigerne Lane
  • 3rd – Mike and Alison, Kingsmeadows Road

Courtyard Garden:

  • 1st – South Parks – Dave and Ailsa Peck; Fiona Hamilton; Howard Clarke; Stuart and Fiona Martin; Sandy and Ann Craig
  • 2nd – Halyrude Court

Secret Garden:

  • Margaret Macfarlane, Bonnington Road

All Seasons Garden:

  • Dr Ivor Sutherland, Bonnington Road

Street Garden:

  • 1st – Brian Elliot, Kingsway
  • 2nd – Rose Park
  • 3rd – Mr & Mrs Varney, March Street

Business Hanging Baskets and Troughs Garden:

  • 1st – Central Bar, Northgate
  • 2nd – Gustaf’s Studio and Gallery