Competition celebrates people’s gardens

ENTRIES are now being sought for the Lerwick gardening competition after the town’s community council decided to re-establish the once popular event following an eight-year break.

Last held in 2012, Lerwick Community Council said no one quite remembers why the event was dropped but 2020 seems to be the “perfect time” to bring it back.

“The Covid 19 crisis has been stressful for many people, but one of the few benefits of lockdown for some was the chance to spend more time in their gardens during the fine weather,” a spokesperson for the community council said.

“There’s no doubt that spending time working in a garden makes a positive contribution to good physical and mental health.”

The trophy, last won by Raewyn and Leslie Irvine, has been polished up and is ready for the next winner.

The categories are:

1. Open competition – anyone can enter;
2. Beginners competition – this includes new gardens and gardens maintained by children;
3. Environmentally friendly garden – this might be because it is attractive to wildlife or it is making good use of recycled materials;
4. Judges’ prize – the overall favourite garden.

The competition will be judged by Karen Fraser and Frankie Valente. Entries are invited by email to clerk@lerwickcc.org.uk or via the Lerwick Community Council Facebook page.

There are no forms to complete, simply email up to three photos of your garden along with your contact details. The judging will take place between 25 and 31 July and the winners will be announced on 1 August.

Harbro Country Store, Planticrub and Ingrid’s Garden Plants have all offered support in the form of vouchers for the winners of the various categories.