From shared green spaces and fruit and vegetable areas to bowling green lawns and vibrant bursts of flower displays, an array of gardening expertise was presented to our judges. 

This year’s competition, open to council tenants, ran from April until the end of July and saw a 22% increase in the number of entries. Categories included best individual gardens, judges’ choice, best sustainable garden, best communal garden and best use of space. The winners gathered together at a recent celebration event to receive their trophies. 

Judging took place over two days. The panel took to the road to view the gardens at their best, commenting on the creative, talented and dedicated tenants across the area, whose garden spaces brightened the lives of not only one or two tenants but, in many cases, the entire street. 

Daniel Hamilton of Bankhead Road, Bellshill, was announced overall winner. Daniel first won the garden awards 32 years ago after moving into his house when the grass was ‘sky high’ and worked his socks off to bring it back to life. Due to work commitments, he didn’t enter again until last year when he won best individual garden for Bellshill/Motherwell. And this year, he took the top garden title after impressing judges with the vast array of flowers and design and layout of his garden. Daniel said: “My father was a great gardener, and I love gardening too. I love watching the things I plant grow – most of my flowers and blooms are planted from seeds. ‘NL in Bloom’ is a great event and being crowned the overall winner has just blown me away. I’m absolutely delighted.”  

Each year many entrants make changes to their gardens. Some introduced new plants and flowers while others developed strawberry patches and raspberry canes. And one even shared pots of home-made jam, fresh potatoes and vegetables with neighbours! 

Tracy Lennon, Tenant Participation Manager, added: “Every year we say we’re blown away by the standard and level of entries for the ‘NL in Bloom’ awards and this year was no different. Not only did we see some exceptional floral displays and garden designs, but we also heard stories about gardens having such a positive impact not just for the tenant and their neighbours but across communities with some becoming a focal point. 

“We had the privilege of not only seeing some exceptional floral displays, but also hearing the stories behind the gardens and speaking to the tenants who spend an incredible amount of time and effort creating beautiful gardens. A huge well done to our winners! 

“I want to thank everyone that makes our awards event such a success and to North Lanarkshire Federation of Tenants and Residents which continues to provide our tenant participation team with fantastic support not just during these awards but throughout the year.”

Winners

Airdrie and Cumbernauld Locality 

Best Communal Garden: Laurel Gardens Retirement Housing, Chapelhall 

Best use of Space: Linda Rodger, Caldercruix 

Best Individual Gardens: Mary Struthers, Calderbank  

Judges Choice: Thomas Ellis, Caldercruix 

Judges Choice: Thomas Taylor, Plains 

Bellshill and Motherwell Locality 

Most Improved Garden: Archie Ferguson, Bellshill 

Best Individual Garden: Daniel Hamilton, Bellshill 

Sustainable Garden: Gerard Daly, Motherwell 

Sustainable Garden: Joanna Mezynski, Viewpark 

Best Communal Garden: Kerr Grieve Court Retirement Housing, Motherwell 

Best Communal Garden (Tower): Lodge Tower Residents, Motherwell 

Best Use of Space: Marion Rooney, Bellshill 

Judges Choice: Mike Duffy, Bellshill 

Judges Choice: Brenda Murphy, Bellshill 

Coatbridge, Kilsyth and Northern Corridor Locality 

Best Individual Garden: Bridie Convey, Moodiesburn 

Judges Choice: Danuta Lewandowska, Coatbridge 

Best Use of Space: John McKeown, Glenboig 

Most Improved Garden: Arthur Pairman and Linda Campbell, Coatbridge 

Best Communal Garden: Pirnie Place Retirement Housing, Kilsyth 

Judges Choice: Malcolm Mooney, Coatbridge 

Wishaw and Shotts Locality 

Best Communal Garden: Drummond Drive Retirement Housing, Wishaw 

Most Improved Garden: Linda Savage, Newmains 

Best Use of Space: Sunart Street Retirement Housing, Wishaw 

Best Individual Garden: Susan Park, Cleland