There are two new environmental categories for 2022, focusing on wildlife and sustainability. The competition is now in its sixth year and will also include the well-established categories; Best Kept Garden, Best Kept Front/Container Garden, Best Kept Commercial Premises, Best Kept School Grounds and Best Kept Community Planting.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross launched this year’s competition at the recently opened Clockwork Jubilee Garden, Antrim Castle Gardens and is encouraging everyone to get involved.
He added,
This year, I’m excited to announce two new environmentally – friendly categories featuring wildlife and sustainability.
We’re looking for gardens that have been left to grow wild with the purpose of attracting mini beasts and pollinators. Sustainable-focused gardeners may have also made their own compost or growing their own veg, if you have a garden like this, we would encourage you to enter this year’s competition!
I’ve been working on developing a living roof at home myself and it’s been fun getting my family involved to lend a hand.
Last year’s Best Kept Garden winner, Molly Grattan shared her experience of the competition. She explained,
For me, the garden has always been my ‘happy place,’ and my sanctuary. My passion for gardening started when I was a child, I was inspired by the day trips to my relatives who lived in the countryside.
Winning the competition last year has filled me with so much pride, I was truly honoured to receive the award. I never thought I would, but I went for it and I was delighted to win. I love sharing my garden with neighbours and this year I’m very excited to be hosting a garden party, a full day of entertainment on 23 July to raise money for two charities close to my heart.
The closing date for entries is 31 July 2022 and winners will be announced in September.
Pictured: Molly Grattan, last year's Best Kept Garden winner in her winning garden.