Garden competition 2006

Grandfather of five Eric Short, 68, was named WDH’s Gardener of Year after working wonders at his bungalow in Grove Drive, South Kirkby.

Two years ago Eric’s efforts earned him the honour of having the district’s Most Improved Garden, and he has already begun making changes to his pride and joy ahead of this year’s competition.

He said:

"The first year I strimmed the grass and put some tubs down to brighten it up, but last year I put some extra effort in to make it look its best."

"I put tubs and pots full of flowers up and down the garden, hanging baskets along my fence, and I even put a water feature in. It must have done the trick with the judges because I won!"

In 2006 Eric also scooped awards for the Best Garden and the Best Containers and Baskets in South Kirkby, and the award for the Best Garden in the Hemsworth, South Elmsall and Crofton area.

He added:

"This year I’ve made a few changes, but it’s too early to tell how good it will look. So far only a few Busy Lizzies have come out, so I’m waiting for my Begonias and my other flowers to bloom".

"You’ve got to be patient when you’re getting your garden ready, but it’s definitely worth the effort. I’ve always loved gardening, so I’ll definitely be taking part this year."

Other big winners were Martin and Christine Botwright, of Benson Lane, Normanton. The couple entered for the first time, only deciding to take part to make the most of their garden during the summer, so imagine their surprise when they won awards for the Most Improved Garden in Normanton and the whole district.

Mr Botwright said:

"This came as a complete shock to us. We only entered the competition to make the best of our garden, so to win two awards was fantastic".

"It was great fun taking part and we’ll definitely be entering again this year."

Mrs Botwright said:

"We were gobsmacked to say the least! We’d never, ever entered anything like that before, so to win two lovely awards was just overwhelming".

"We’ve already started preparing our garden for this year’s competition and we’ve even changed a few things around. We’re sure we’ll have it finished for when the judges come around, so hopefully we’ll win an award or two this year."