The Garden Competition is open to all Council tenants and leaseholders and runs annually.

The judges base their decisions on the best display (colour and design) and ability (resources, technique and effort).

The 2008 competition winners, who enjoyed a presentation tea with the Mayor, were as follows:

Children’s Competition

Draw or paint a picture of a flower, tree or anything else garden-related. There are two age groups: six and under, and seven-12. Gift vouchers worth £20 for the best drawing or painting.

2008 winners: Zeny Pereira, Stratton (7-12 years) and Alfie Tait, Toothill (Under-6 years)

Best House Garden

£100 gift vouchers for the winner.

2008 winner: Kate Windslow, Penhill. Kate also won the Overall Winner's trophy.

Best Communal Garden

Ideal for those who share a garden. £100 vouchers to share for the neighbours involved.

2008 winner: Arthur Bennett Court

New Tenant Garden

If you’ve moved into your house within the last 12 months, this is for you. £100 gift vouchers for the winner.

Best Patio Garden

This will appeal to those with small gardens or who live in sheltered accommodation. £50 gift vouchers for the winner.

2008 winner: Sandra Byrne, Park South

Best Hanging Basket/Tub

The perfect category for those who don’t have a lot of room, or who are just starting out. £50 gift vouchers for the winner.

2008 winner: Michael and Pauline Woodbridge, Liden

Special Awards

£100 gift vouchers to be given at the judges discretion for outstanding work. It could be based on the appearance on helping to keep a local area pond clean from pollution; keeping an area of communal ground or street clean and tidy; creating a wildlife garden. In essence, work that has been done to help and benefit the community rather than individuals.

Special award: Grass Root Gardeners, Railway Village

Special Recognition Awards

We also presented four special recognition awards:

For 'Sustainability and Self Sufficiency': Alan Daltrey, Pinehurst

For 'Biggest Passion Flower': Leslie Salmon, Park South

For 'Something out of Nothing': Jean Soane, Gorse Hill

For 'Most Unusual Plant': Colin Pignatelli, Highworth

Congratulations and thank you to all who entered.

Further Information/Contact

If you would like to know more about the competition, please contact:

Donna Liggins
Tel: 01793 464427
E-mail: dliggins@swindon.gov.uk

Shelley Slater
01793 463673
E-mail: sslater@swindon.gov.uk