The annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s Garden Competition once again provided an opportunity for gardeners in the area to gain recognition for their hardwork.    With an excellent number of entries across all categories – large, medium and small gardens and allotments –  covering an area from Bridport to Lyme Regis to Hinton St George, the judges had a very busy two days.   The competition was judged by three of last year’s winners, Mr & Mrs Philip Crawford, overall winners, and Mrs Donna Winters, winner of the small garden category.  They were accompanied by the Melplash Society’s President, Mr Richard Campbell and his wife, and the Chairman, Brigadier John Dean.  Mr Peter Yeates and Mr Clifford Pitcher were the stewards.

“It was a real privilege to have the opportunity to see so many wonderful gardens and to be shown around by the proud gardeners that had created them, their passion and enthusiasm shone through”  said judge Sue Crawford, “The standards and varieties of gardens was exceptional and made judging extremely difficult.”

The 2015 results are:

Large Gardens

1st           Mr & Mrs John Makepeace, Beaminster

Judges comments “Overall a very impressive garden with a high standard of design.  Marvellous fruit and vegetable”

2nd          Mr & Mrs David Ackerman, Bridport

3rd          Mrs Christine Corson, Stoke Abbott

Medium Gardens

1st           Mrs Jane Pinkster, Beaminster  & Overall Garden Winners

Judges comments “First impression is amazing, a stunning garden.  Great use of unusual plants and colour co-ordination”

2nd          Mr & Mrs Clifford Burroughs, Mosterton

3rd           Mr Les Loveridge, Lyme Regis

Highly Commended:  Mrs Fiona Graham-Flynn, Bridport

Small Gardens

1st           Mrs Joan Regan, Bridport

Judges comments “Absolutely beautiful.  Amazing amount of work created a superb garden.  Very tranquil”

2nd          Mrs Val Bartlett, Bridport

3rd           Mrs Peel, Burton Bradstock

Allotments

1st           Mr John Studley, Hinton St George

Judges comments “ Excellent husbandry and attention to detail.. The volume and quality of the vegetables and fruit grown is incredible”

2nd          Mr Stephen Hillier, Charmouth

2015 OVERALL GARDEN WINNER – Mrs Jane Pinkster, Beaminster