THE winners of one of the most prestigious garden competitions in west Dorset have been announced.

The Melplash Agricultural Society’s Annual Gardens & Allotments Competition returned for its 29th year and judges were left very impressed by the magnificent gardens and allotments they saw.

The competition celebrates the hard work and pride that people put into their gardens, showcasing their creative skills and passion for gardening.

The overall winners of the garden and allotments competition were Jason Smith and Nicola Darby, from Mangerton, whose garden is ‘their biggest pleasure’.

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Mr Smith said: “We are absolutely blown-away at not only winning the large garden category but also being the overall winners. Our garden is our biggest pleasure, the place where we can both relax and enjoy being outside together.

“Through the pandemic we have had time to make a number of gradual improvements. We have brought the wild back into the garden, and we think successfully merged our classic cottage garden into the surrounding countryside!”

The competition is open to all residents within a 12-mile radius of Melplash Village Church and all types and sizes of gardens and allotments are encouraged to enter – this year a total of 16 entered.

They were judged over two days by Tim and Sibyl Gale, the 2021 Large Garden winners, and Melplash Show Horticulture committee member, Jackie Seogalutze. They were accompanied by society president, Nigel Jones, society chairman, James Vickery and vice chairman Philip Hardwell.

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Tim and Sibyl Gale said: “We were very impressed by the wide variety of gardens, full of wonderful plants, perfumes and delightful spaces. All were different but linked by the enthusiasm of their owners and the pleasure that gardening brings.

“Nearly all the gardeners recognise the critical part that wildlife, particularly pollinators, bring to their gardens and the health of our environment- gardens are not only a source of joy and pleasure but significant contributors to a sustainable future.”

Society Chairman Mr James Vickery said: “It was a privilege to visit so many fantastic gardens and allotments. It was very obvious that everyone had spent many hours working in their gardens and did so throughout the year. The results were magnificent. Thank you everyone for taking part, we hope you will again next year!”

The prizes will be awarded at the annual Melplash Agricultural Show at West Bay Bridport on Thursday August 25.