Garden awards for East Ayrshire’s greenest fingers!

A special award ceremony, sponsored by Tivoli Group Ltd and Gemmells Garden Centre, was held recently at the Council’s headquarters in Kilmarnock. The award ceremony was officially opened by Councillor Jim McMahon, Depute Leader and Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities, who also presented the awards.

The trophy for best private garden in East Ayrshire was presented to Mr Conning from Corsehillbank, Stewarton, while the trophy for best council garden was presented to Ms Hall of Habbieauld Road, Kilmaurs.

Both gardeners were recognised for their spectacular colours, clever planting and creative garden design.

The task of judging the competition fell to the Executive Committee of the East Ayrshire Federation of Tenants and Residents, with specialists from the Council’s Greener Communities and Housing Services.

The Federation was represented at the awards by Vonnie Templeton and Kevin Gray, who were presented with flowers by Depute Provost John McGhee. Provost Claire Leitch congratulated all the winners and presented flowers to Sharon Tomlinson, and Amberley and Victoria McKenzie.

Councillor Jim McMahon said: “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 COUNCIL GARDEN COMPETITION 2026

THE WINNERS

BEST COUNCIL GARDEN, KILMARNOCK CENTRAL & NORTH

Miss Hall, Habbieauld Road, Kilmaurs

Runners-Up

Mr and Mrs Smith, Todhill Avenue, Kilmarnock

BEST PRIVATE GARDEN, KILMARNOCK CENTRAL & NORTH

Mr Conning, Corsehillbank, Stewarton

Runner-Up

Mrs Farquhar, Glebe Terrace, Fenwick

BEST COUNCIL GARDEN KILMARNOCK SOUTH & IRVINE VALLEY

Mr and Mrs Rowney, Castleview Avenue, Galston

Runner-Up

Miss Muir, Lanfine Quadrant, Darvel

BEST PRIVATE GARDEN KILMARNOCK SOUTH & IRVINE VALLEY

Mr Vincent and Mr Astill, Clearmount Avenue, Newmilns

Runner-Up

Mr Milloy, Burnpark Road, Kilmarnock

BEST COUNCIL GARDEN CUMNOCK & DOON VALLEY

Mr Dorrian, Eriff Road, Bellsbank

Runner-Up

Mrs Fox, Henderson Drive, Muirkirk

BEST PRIVATE GARDEN CUMNOCK & DOON VALLEY

Mr Hogg, Oakbank Drive, Cumnock

Runner-Up

Mr Hunter, Mauchline Road, Ochiltree

JENNIFER ELLIOT MEMORIAL AWARD FOR BEST ROSE GARDEN

Presented by Sharon Tomlinson

Mr Mitchell, Brewlands Street, Galston

Runner-Up

Morton Park Rose Garden, Morton Park, Darvel

JOHN McKENZIE MEMORIAL AWARD FOR BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN

Presented by Amberley and Victoria McKenzie

Netherthird Community Garden

Runner-Up

Knockentiber Community Garden, Knockentiber

BEST VEGETABLE GARDEN

Mr Stewart, Onthank Drive, Kilmarnock

Runner-up

Mr and Mrs Leroy, Baillie Drive, Logan

BEST HANGING BASKETS & PLANTERS

Mr Lang, Holmlea Place, Kilmarnock

Runner-up

Mr Armour, McNaughton Walk, Kilmarnock

ENIVRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AWARD

Mrs Ross, Dalleagles, New Cumnock

Runner-up

Mr Ralston, Knockinlaw Road, Kilmarnock

BEST NEWCOMER

Mrs Weir, Glasgow Road, Muirkirk

Runner-up

Mr Gow, West Park Avenue, Mauchline

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Miss Graham, Park Crescent, Dalmellington

CLEANER GREENER MOST VIBRANT VILLAGE

New Cumnock

Runner-up

Mauchline

CLEANER GREENER MOST VIBRANT STREET

Garven Court, Kilmarnock

Runner-up

Afton Court, New Cumnock