Larne and Carrickfergus gardeners rewarded for making the most of lockdown

Gardening enthusiasts from Larne and Carrickfergus are among those celebrating success in the Mid and East Antrim Community in Bloom community competitions.
Best Kept Front Container Garden runner up, Jenny Hawthorne,  Carrickfergus.Best Kept Front Container Garden runner up, Jenny Hawthorne,  Carrickfergus.
Best Kept Front Container Garden runner up, Jenny Hawthorne, Carrickfergus.

The popular annual challenge always attracts huge interest and this year was no exception with record entries as many made the most of lockdown and Covid restrictions to bring out the best in their gardens, allotments and other outdoor areas.

Commending the enthusiasm of participants, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “The garden is an amazing source of relaxation and an opportunity to really clear the mind and improve our mental and physical well-being and I am delighted to see many of our residents and businesses get involved in this year’s competition.

“As usual the standard and quality of the submissions has been breathtaking and it is heartening to see so much pride being taken in our local area.

Best Kept Allotment runner up, Graeme Easthope, Carrickfergus.Best Kept Allotment runner up, Graeme Easthope, Carrickfergus.
Best Kept Allotment runner up, Graeme Easthope, Carrickfergus.

“From immaculate front lawns to colourful containers, gardens for wildlife and allotments full of vegetables, the time and effort spent has ensured our borough has been an explosion of colour and scents throughout the summer.

“I am delighted to be able to say thank you to those who have really gone the extra mile this year.”

Through it’s ‘In Bloom’ campaign, the council encourages those living and working in the borough to think more about the local environment and the positive effects it can have on people and wildlife.

In addition to making the area more aesthetically attractive for everyone, gardening has been proven to have a positive impact on mental and physical health.

Best Kept Allotment Garden runner up, Alfie Hamilton, Larne.Best Kept Allotment Garden runner up, Alfie Hamilton, Larne.
Best Kept Allotment Garden runner up, Alfie Hamilton, Larne.

Categories in this year’s competition included: Best Kept Front Garden, Best Kept Front Container Garden, Kept Community Planting Scheme, Best Kept Allotment Garden, Best Kept Commercial Premises, and the Gardening for Wildlife Award.

The list of winners and runner-ups in each section as follows:

Best Kept Front Garden

Winner - Elizabeth Boyd, Cullybackey. Runners up - Stephen Heron, Broughshane; Mr & Mrs Lewis, Whitehead; Anderson Weir, Gracehill; Elizabeth Holmes, Cullybackey.

Gardening for Wildlife award winner Deirdre Mulvenna, Ballygally.Gardening for Wildlife award winner Deirdre Mulvenna, Ballygally.
Gardening for Wildlife award winner Deirdre Mulvenna, Ballygally.

Best Kept Container Garden

Winner - Chris Hamill, Whitehead. Runners up - Mr & Mrs Wilson, Glenarm; Jenny Hawthorne, Carrickfergus; Davina Smylie, Cullybackey.

Best Kept Community Planting Scheme

Winner - Glenarm in Bloom. Runners up - 1 n 3 Garden, Carrickfergus (read more here); Carrickfergus Vineyard Church.

Best Kept Allotment winner,  Janet Kpakra, Greenisland, with her friend Trish Beattie.Best Kept Allotment winner,  Janet Kpakra, Greenisland, with her friend Trish Beattie.
Best Kept Allotment winner, Janet Kpakra, Greenisland, with her friend Trish Beattie.

Best Kept Allotment Garden

Winner - Janet Kpakra, Greenisland. Runners up - Alfie Hamilton, Larne; Graham Easthope, Carrickfergus.

Best Kept Commercial Premises

Winner - Galgorm Resort and Spa, Galgorm. Runners up - Galgorm Care Home, Ballymena; The Cow and Caf, Carrickfergus.

Gardening for Wildlife Award

Winner -Deirdre Mulvenna, Ballygally. Runners up - Charles Sheils Charity, Carrickfergus; Sean McKeown, Newtowncrommelin.

Best Kept Community Planting Scheme winner, Glenarm in Bloom.Best Kept Community Planting Scheme winner, Glenarm in Bloom.
Best Kept Community Planting Scheme winner, Glenarm in Bloom.

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