The Melplash Agricultural Society is delighted to announce the winners of its annual Garden and Allotment Competition, celebrating the creativity, care and dedication of local gardeners of all experience levels.
Open to anyone who loves their garden, whatever its size and whatever their level of expertise, the competition recognises the joy, effort and community spirit that go into creating beautiful, productive and welcoming outdoor spaces.
The competition was organised and stewarded by Horticulture committee members Jason Smith and Jackie Seogulutze. It was judged over two days by Marion Tocher (2025 Medium Garden Winner) Felicity Perkins (2025 Large Garden Winner) and Nicola Darby. They were accompanied by the Melplash Agricultural Society President, Peter Hardwill and Ann Redman, and Society Chairman, Simon Wakely and his wife Sam.
William James & Co based in Bridport kindly donated garden tools, and Chedington Compost will offer bags of compost to the prize winners.
This year the fifteen entrants showcased an impressive range of gardens and allotments, from compact and family gardens to flourishing vegetable beds and established outdoor spaces. The judges praised entrants for their imagination, hard work, sustainability, planting choices and the pride shown in every plot.
The Society congratulates all winners and thanks every entrant for helping to make the competition such a celebration of gardening across the local area.
Simon Wakely, Melplash Agricultural Society, Chairman said, ‘Sam and I both felt very privileged to have the opportunity to accompany the judges as they visited the gardens. The annual Gardens and Allotment Competition is an important event in the Society’s calendar, it reflects the Society’s commitment to rural life, horticulture, community involvement and sharing skills across generations. It is a wonderful way to recognise the care, time and enthusiasm people devote to their outdoor spaces. Every garden, large or small, has its own story, this year’s entries were a joy to see.’
Jackie Seogolutze, Melplash Agricultural Society organiser and steward commneted, ‘We were delighted by the variety and quality of entries. The competition proves that gardening is for everyone, regardless of space, experience or style.”
2026 Results
Allotments
1st place and winner of the Groves Nursery Trophy – Ronald Gow & Julie Lambden, West Allington Allotments
Small Gardens
1st place and winner of the Valerie Bishop Memorial Trophy – Mrs Tracey Page, Beaminster
2nd – Dave and Louise Compton, The Spyway Inn, Askerswell
3rd – Mark Oborn, Bridport
Medium Gardens
1st place and winner of the Pitcher Trophy – Christine Corson, Beaminster
Joint 2nd – Alison Waterman, Bradpole
Joint 2nd – Guy and Gill Livingston, Bridport
Large Gardens
1st place and winner of The Fowler Rose Bowl – Rob and Kate Parsons, Morcombelake
Joint 2nd – Stephen and Sara Griffith, Swyre
Joint 2nd – Robert and Angela Rabbetts, Pilsdon
3rd – Tony Jones, Shipton Gorge
The George Payne Memorial Trophy: special award for Best Environmental and Wildlife practice awarded to Anna Butler, Bridport.
The Loveridge Trophy – A special award for the most unusual or themed garden that falls outside the categories of Large, Medium, Small, Allotment and Environmental award guidelines awarded to Suzy Gallina, Lyme Regis.
Suzy is passionate about making gardening accessible to everyone. Her vegetable plot showed how much can be grown in a small space, and through her seed swap she is encouraging others to grow their own produce from seed.
The overall winner of the 2026 Garden & Allotment competition is Rob and Kate Parsons. They will receive the Alfie Parker and Jimmy Watts Perpetual memorial cup presented by AJC Palmer and CWR Palmer, Esq.
After hearing they had won, Rob and Kate Parsons said: ;We are absolutely thrilled. A friend encouraged us to enter and, although we were nervous and only decided at the last minute to enter, we are so pleased we did. It has been a wonderful experience and so uplifting. The stewards, judges and Society Directors who visited showed genuine interest in our garden and in hearing how we created it from scratch ten years ago. When they left, before we even knew we had won, we felt totally elated. We would encourage anyone who loves and is proud of their garden to enter, whatever their level of expertise. We look forward to meeting the other winners at the Melplash Show on 27 August and becoming judges next year!’.
Thank you to our photographer, Tim Russ, to view all of the garden photos please click here.
The Melplash Agricultural Society supports and promotes agriculture, horticulture and rural life in West Dorset and the surrounding area. The Society is best known for bringing together the local community at the annual Melplash Show that celebrates farming, countryside skills, produce and traditions. The annual Melplash Agricultural Society Gardens and Allotment Competition encourages gardeners of all backgrounds to take part. It is open to anyone with a love of gardening who lives within a radius of 12- miles from the village of Melplash, whether they are tending a small courtyard, a cottage garden, a family plot, a productive allotment or a larger landscaped space.
