After a fabulous spring and summer, gardens across North Lanarkshire were looking their best thanks to our dedicated, green-fingered tenants who worked tirelessly to get their gardens competition ready. 

From communal areas and imaginative small spaces to total transformations and gardens packed with produce, an array of gardening expertise was presented to our judges who enjoyed sampling some homegrown/homemade produce including apples, pears and some lavender lemonade! 

In addition to our yearly categories of best individual gardens, judges’ choice, best sustainable garden, best shared space and best use of space, we added new ones. These included young gardener, best new build garden and retirement housing category. 

Our competition, open to council tenants, ran from April to August and saw a 13% rise in the number of entries. Our competition grows year on year, and this year was no exception. As well as an increase in the number of entries we saw more first-time nominees and winners.  

This year’s overall winner was Adam and Anne Allerdyce from Bellshill who joined all category winners (listed below) at a recent celebration to mark their success and receive their awards. 

You can see images of the award winners receiving their awards here.

Judging took place over two days. The panel took to the road to view the gardens at their best, commenting on the creative, talented and dedicated tenants across the area, whose garden spaces brightened the lives of not only one or two tenants but, in many cases, the entire street.  

Housing Convener, Councillor Michael McPake, attended the celebration event and presented tenants with their certificates. He said: “Our NL in Bloom awards is a fabulous event that covers the length and breadth of North Lanarkshire. Our tenants are rightly proud of their garden spaces, and our awards always have a competitive edge with new ideas and designs being created every year. 

“Judging the gardens is incredibly difficult and we took to the road to view the shortlisted gardens and talk to the tenants about their designs. I’m always blown away by the creative, talented and dedicated tenants whose garden spaces brighten up their lives, their neighbours and in many cases the entire streets! Well done to everyone involved.” 

“Word is definitely spreading, and our competition is growing year on year,” added Tracy Lennon, Tenant Participation Manager. “This year we saw an increase in non-traditional shared space such as multi-stories as well as the more traditional retirement housing, and we therefore decided to separate these categories. In addition to the new categories a few special gardens have been selected to win a ‘Judges Choice’ award. This is just one of a number of events in the tenant participation calendar and is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbours and other keen gardeners from across North Lanarkshire. Get involved and be part of your housing service.” 

Winners 

Bellshill and Motherwell Locality 

Best Individual Garden – Bellshill and Motherwell and Overall Winner 

Anna and Adam Allerdyce – Judges spent time talking about their space, what it means to their family and how they maintain it.  As the judges entered the back garden, they were surprised at the size of the area having to be maintained, with massive apple and plum trees on display. Judges enjoyed sampling the freshest, juiciest apple ever! 

Best Garden Transformation 

Bernard O’Hara - First time applicant. Bernard has a huge space to maintain which was carefully planned & designed. His space includes stunning plants. Japanese style garden, with water feature. 

Best Use of Space 

Daniel Hamilton - The judges noticed his stunning garden as soon as they entered the street and were treated to a fantastic array of flowers. Comments were made about the well thought out design and well-established plants which covered every garden space.  

Best Sustainable Garden 

Gerard Daly – In addition to the outstanding floral displays, we heard about the difference our tenants are making to not only the environment but their communities. Gerard grows a variety of fruit and vegetables that he shares with his neighbours, in addition to the small cuttings he shares from over 300 plants in his garden. 

New Build 

Billy Scott - This garden is a must see! With every bit of space carefully planned for the family to enjoy. There is a growing patch with fruit and vegetables as well as flowers of all colours in full bloom, a ‘man cave’ and children’s play equipment.  

Best Shared Garden 

Lodge Tower - Judges praised the hard work, dedication and transformation of Lodge Tower and for tenants making great use of their space which brightens up the local community. 

Judges Choice – Special Commendation 

Archie Ferguson – Judges were impressed with the standard of this garden and the wonderful selection of plants on display to help encourage butterflies.  

Scott Kelman – His garden is a focal point for the community with his neighbours commenting on how much they enjoy looking at the garden day and then at night when the fairy lights come on.   

David Miller – Special recognition goes to David as he not only works on his own garden, but he helps his neighbours too. Judges commented on how beautiful all the gardens were. 

Alexander and Helen Mathie – Judges commented on how these stunning gardens brighten up the estate. 

Coatbridge, Kilsyth and Northern Corridor Locality 

Best Individual Garden 

John McKeown - John lives in a small cul-de-sac and his fabulous garden is easy to spot.  He’s made great use of all available space and with clever lighting his garden looks very different from day to night, which is also enjoyed by his neighbours.   

Best Garden Transformation 

Margaret Martin - Judges noted the vast changes made to the garden which now boasts a beautiful array of colours, brightening up the local community. 

Best Use of Space 

Bridie Convey - this hidden gem in the heart of Moodiesburn is one to be seen! Judges commented on Bridie’s passion for her garden which shone through.  Each area from front to back has been carefully thought out, with various areas used for different purposes. 

Young Gardener 

Zoe McPhee - Ever since the launch of NL in Bloom we’ve been keen to encourage more young gardeners. We’re delighted to recognise Zoe, an amazing young gardener, on her first time entering our competition. We were really impressed by the beautiful garden on show and even more impressed to discover it is all down to her hard work and dedication, who is not only an inspiration but a great help to her gran. 

Best Shared Garden 

James Hamill - Although James is winning in the category of shared space the judges wanted to acknowledge his commitment to improving his community as this garden is enjoyed by all  neighbours. The judges heard about James’s future plans which include a Christmas tree for the community to enjoy. 

Judges Choice - Special Commendation 

Maureen Connelly and Jim Winsor were nominated by staff and tenants of Afton Gardens. Staff wanted Jim and Maureen’s hard work and dedication to be recognised not only for the work in their own garden but also on the grounds of the complex – all tenants wanted to say a huge thank you. 

A Special Award was presented to the family of Malcolm Mooney from Woodside Street, Coatbridge – Malcolm’s family accepted the award on his behalf as he has sadly passed away. 

Wishaw and Shotts Locality 

Best Individual Garden  

Susan Park - Judges loved Susan’s garden and highlighted how knowledgeable she was about all the plants and trees within her garden and how the garden’s design complemented each other.  Judges even sampled some homemade lavender lemonade! 

Best Garden Transformation 

Lynne Dunne - A truly standout garden which can be seen as soon as you enter the street. A beautiful space for all to enjoy. 

Best Use of Space 

Sharon McLean - Every area within the garden is carefully planned to maximise space and design. 

New Build 

Eddie Boyle Close – This is a small courtyard which comprises 20 homes. Judges wanted to recognise the efforts, talents and passion of Jim Leonard, John Robertson, Lillian Henderson and John Sharples, each of these gardens is a true inspiration and really does make a huge difference. 

Retirement Housing 

Drummond Drive - This is a great example of enthusiastic tenants coming together to optimise their space to achieve the best results.  Each tenant has the opportunity to have their own growing space, with a variety of fruit and vegetables being harvested including strawberries, cabbage, potatoes and pak choi. 

Judges Choice – Special Commendation 

Catherine Robert – Judges commented on the hard work and dedication shown by Catherine to maintain her garden to such a high level. It’s immaculate! 

Gordon Adam - Although Gordon’s garden is part of a retirement housing complex, tenants and staff wanted to recognise his space as it stands out and is an inspiration to all. 

Airdrie and Cumbernauld Locality 

Best Individual Garden 

Thomas Ellis – This entry is dubbed the secret garden by staff and tenants. It’s truly breathtaking when stepping into the back garden as you feel you’re being transported into another world. Judges commented that it’s a true labour of love. 

Best Garden Transformation 

Linda Rodger - Judges were truly impressed by the standard of this property and commented on making best use of all available space in a creative manner.  Linda’s hard work and investment is to be commended. 

Best Use of Space 

Sarah Henderson and William Kerr were nominated by their granddaughter, who commented on the years of dedication and hard work to their garden which has become a true treasure for their home. Their rose garden is a standout feature, and the back garden is filled with an impressive array of plants. At 85 years old, they are both delighted and honoured to be considered for this competition. They take exceptional care of their garden and are incredibly proud of their home in North Lanarkshire. 

New Build 

Rosie Smith - having viewed before and after photos the difference to Rosie’s garden space in fabulous. New build gardens can be quite uniform when first completed but this is a great example of a beautiful transformation! 

Retirement Housing 

Laurel Gardens - Judges agreed that this complex should be recognised for the quality of all gardens as a collective. Each tenant takes great pride in their place, and it would be impossible to pick an individual winner. 

Judges Choice 

Special Commendation 

Mary Struthers – Every year Mary’s garden gets better and better! She does her garden on her own since her husband passed away and strives to keep it the way he had it. It’s  stunning. 

John Nisbet – Judges commented on this immaculate garden, which stands out in the local community. John’s passion and dedication is clear to see with this beautiful garden.