ONCE again, the tenants of East Devon District Council have excelled themselves with a beautiful display of gardens for the summer 2014 competition.

There were 47 entries this year, six more than in 2013.

Councillor Jill Elson, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Homes and Communities, said: “We were pleased to see three entries for the Youth Garden and nine first time entries. This is very good news for the future of the competition and the continuing high standard of tenants’ gardens”.

Kieron Bewes (Horticultural Consultant) was the judge and using the Royal Horticultural Society judging method once again, a number of entrants obtained the Gold level.

The garden competition is an annual event organised by Tenant Participation within the Housing Service at East Devon District Council.

Mr A & Mrs M Johnson of Axmouth won Gold in the Overall Garden category and were the overall competition winners for 2014.

The winners celebrated with a prize-giving tea and presentation in the Council Chamber at Knowle, Sidmouth.

Prizes and certificates were presented by Kieron Bewes and Councillors Jill Elson and Susie Bond, along with the sponsors who attended – Mark Vernon, Phil Tucker (Skinners) and Nick Fenner (Thistle Insurance).

The sponsors this year were:

• Otter Nurseries

• Kieron Bewes

• MD Building Services

• Skinner Construction

• Thistle Insurance Group

• Mark Vernon – Professional Cleaning Services

• Tenant Representative Group (TRG) Along with the prize and certificate, tenants also received seeds to plant next year.