The 2024 garden competition for gardeners with the greenest fingers is now open for nominations. Gardeners across East Ayrshire are invited to enter our annual garden competition.
This year the competition honours one of our Tenant Volunteer champions, John McKenzie, who we sadly lost last year. We have included a category for best Community Garden in recognition of the tireless work he did with communities across East Ayrshire.
Who can apply
The competition is open to anyone living in East Ayrshire with a garden, no matter how big or small, which is maintained by themselves and not a professional gardener. There are prizes and trophies up for grabs.
Previous entrants do not need to apply. If you do not wish to take part please let us know using the contact details below.
Housing areas and categories
The judging will take place across three housing areas:
- Cumnock and Doon Valley
- Irvine Valley, Ballochmyle and Kilmarnock South
- Kilmarnock Central and North
A winner and runner up are selected in each of the following categories:
- Best Council garden
- Best private garden
- Best planters or hanging baskets
- Best vegetable garden
- Best newcomer
- Environmentally friendly
- The Jennifer Elliot memorial award (rose garden)
- Special achievement award
- Overall winner
There are also three exciting categories for communities:
- Clean, green, vibrant street
- Clean, green, vibrant town or village
- The John McKenzie memorial award (best community garden)
You can now nominate a street, town or village or community garden that has improved significantly and become a more vibrant place to live and visit.
How to nominate
Please note we can only accept online or emailed nominations. You can either:
Give us a call if you need more information.
Deadline for nominations
The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday 5 July 2024.
Judging of the event
Please note that judging will take between 8 July 2024 and 2 August 2024. We will contact you nearer the time to arrange any access required.
This year we are offering entrants the chance to upload photos of their garden as part of the judging process:
Upload your photos for the garden competition
The winner of each category will be chosen by council officers from Housing and Greener Communities. The overall winners will be selected by tenant representatives.
Winners and runners up will be invited to attend a prize-giving later in the year.
Good luck everyone!