GREEN-FINGERED residents received plaudits for their dedication to gardening.

Their blooming havens caught the eyes of judges from Magna Housing in the housing association’s annual gardening competition.

Judges praised the enthusiasm of residents from across the area, with entrants spread from Crewkerne to Lyme Regis.

Judge David Downton, of the Dorchester Horticultural Society, said: “Colour, extraordinary use of space and creativity reflected the dedication of the gardeners.

“Besides the gardeners, we met some great characters who not only talked with great enthusiasm about their creation, but also introduced us to their hobbies and interests, from a ‘designer blue painted chicken house’ to the most beautiful ‘working ferrets’ we have ever seen.”

Mr Downton added that residents’ commitment to individual gardens and communal gardens reflected ‘a pride of tenancy’.

Completing the line-up of judges were Magna residents John Foot, who has won the competition several times in the past, and Kevin Parry, vice-chairman of the association’s Community Connections residents’ group.

Chickerell residents Eunice Malcolm and Pauline Arney, of Fairfield, won the communal gardens category and were awarded the John Foot Cup.

Gail Davies, of Cheselbourne, triumphed in the large garden category John Davis, of Lubbecke Way, Dorchester, scooped the vegetable garden award.

n joanna.davis@ dorsetecho.co.uk