“"What an honour to open this wonderful event and congratulate all the gardeners. Our youngest winner was Miss Graham from Dalmellington who is just 15 years old and was recognised with a special achievement award, while our oldest winner was Mr Mitchell from Galston who is an incredible 102 years. Young or old, or in between – the hard work of these wonderful people has a huge impact on their communities bringing colour and improving biodiversity. While I’ve been out walking, or driving through East Ayrshire, I have really enjoyed seeing the finalists’ gardens and I know I am not the only one. A huge well done to everyone involved, particularly our judges, who had an unenviable task; to Greener Communities and Housing Services for their hard work organising the competition and to all our gardeners, who have my thanks and appreciation."
East Ayrshire Celebrates Top Gardeners at Annual Competition
East Ayrshire Council's annual garden competition recognised amateur gardeners for their spectacular colours, clever planting, and creative designs.
By Kirsty Lennox
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a colourful and well-maintained garden in Scotland, with various flowers and creative planting.
East Ayrshire Council recently hosted its annual garden competition awards ceremony in Kilmarnock, celebrating the achievements of local amateur gardeners for their vibrant displays and creative designs.
The competition, which recognises the top amateur gardeners across East Ayrshire, saw a special award ceremony sponsored by Tivoli Group Ltd and Gemmells Garden Centre. Councillor Jim McMahon, Depute Leader and Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities, officially opened the event and presented the awards.
Mr Conning from Corsehillbank, Stewarton, received the trophy for the best private garden, while Ms Hall of Habbieauld Road, Kilmaurs, was awarded for the best council garden. Both were commended for their spectacular colours, clever planting, and creative garden design.
The judging was undertaken by the Executive Committee of the East Ayrshire Federation of Tenants and Residents, with support from specialists from the Council’s Greener Communities and Housing Services. Representatives Vonnie Templeton and Kevin Gray from the Federation were presented with flowers by Depute Provost John McGhee. Provost Claire Leitch also congratulated winners and presented flowers to Sharon Tomlinson, and Amberley and Victoria McKenzie.
The event also highlighted a range of category winners, including Mr Conning for Best Private Garden in Kilmarnock Central & North, and Mr Dorrian for Best Council Garden in Cumnock & Doon Valley. Special awards were presented for Best Rose Garden to Mr Mitchell, Best Community Garden to Netherthird Community Garden, Best Vegetable Garden to Mr Stewart, Best Hanging Baskets & Planters to Mr Lang, an Environmentally Friendly Award to Mrs Ross, and Best Newcomer to Mrs Weir. Miss Graham, aged 15, received a Special Achievement Award, and New Cumnock was named the Cleanest, Greener, Most Vibrant Village.
Based on information from the official source: East Ayrshire Council (04/11/2026)
