Melplash Agricultural Society's garden competition winners

The Melplash Agricultural Society's annual gardens and allotments competition returned this year, following last year's cancellation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The competition, now in its 28th year, aims to reward residents for their creative skills and passion for gardening.

The overall winners of the garden and allotments competition were Sibyl and Tim Gale, from Bridport, who wowed judges who noted their 'brave but beautiful' wildflower banks and 'outstanding' knowledge of plants.

Mr and Mrs Gale were also chosen as having the best of the large gardens. Second place went to John and Heather Coley, from Ryall, with the garden of Jo Rock from Powerstock being highly commended.

Bob Link, from Broadwindsor, took home first prize in the allotment category. He was praised by the judges who said it was 'an excellent allotment' and 'a lot of hard work has clearly gone into it' - they also praised the range of fruit and vegetables and a good use of companion planting. Second and third place went to John and Christine Studley, from Hinton St George, and Geoff Fry, from Puncknowle, respectively.

First place in the medium gardens category was given to Christine Corson, from Beaminster, with judges praising her 'beautiful garden which is a little oasis behind the busy town centre' and the wildlife friendly aspect of the garden. Second place was Peter and Barbara Lacy, from Lyme Regis, and Tim and Gill Tarling, from Bridport, came in third.

Debbie McCarthy, from Lyme Regis, scooped up the award for best small garden - she was commended for her clever planting and a 'beautifully dressed garden that is full of surprises. Val Bartlett, from Bridport, was given second place and Alison Waterman, from Bradpole, was third.

The event was judged by the Mayor of Bridport, Ian Bark and his wife Anne, who won the award for best small garden in 2019, and former society chairman Jo Sage. They were accompanied by society president Nigel Jones and society chairman James Vickery.

The winners received a voucher from Bridport-based William James & Co - manufacturers and suppliers of fruit cages, netting and garden equipment - and compost from Chedington Estate.

Mr Vickery, society chairman, said: "It has been a great privilege to be able to visit the twenty gardens and allotments entered into this year’s competition.

"All the entries were fantastic and really did showcase the hard work and dedication that had been given by the gardener.

"There was a wide variety, and the standard was exceptional. I certainly did not envy the task of the judges. Everyone should be proud of what they have achieved even if they did not win this time.”