Award-Winning Borough Hosts ‘Best Kept Garden’ Awards

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council hosted the awards ceremony to celebrate the exceptional gardens, allotments, window containers, and wildflower-friendly and sustainable gardens created by the residents of the Borough.

The evening’s host was Mary Anne Farenden, a gardener featured on BBC1 NI and BBC2's "B&B by the Sea," and the winner of RTE’s "Super Garden 2022." Mary Anne took to the stage to announce the deserving winners and runners-up, before Councillor Jay Burbank, the Chair of Operations, presented them with certificates and gift vouchers.

The Mayor commented on the evening’s event:

“Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Best Kept Garden competition. It demonstrates the pride our residents have in their homes, schools, and workplaces by creating these beautiful gardens.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved in next year’s competition, whether it’s planting a colourful container for a patio or reviving a neglected lawn. Our community is filled with knowledgeable people who can help you learn about the perfect combinations for pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets that will help get your garden into great shape.”

“I’m delighted to add that our towns and villages across the Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey were also recently recognised in several prestigious awards, including Translink’s Ulster in Bloom and the Northern Ireland Amenity Council’s Best Kept Awards. Ballynure also received the Silver Gilt award for the village in the 2023 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals.”

Chair of Operations, Councillor Jay Burbank, commented:

"This year, our residents have embraced a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach to gardening, particularly in the new category, ‘Best Kept Allotments.’ We have seen a shift towards sustainable planting, with a decrease in annual planting and an increase in perennial planting.

“As a Council, we are fully committed to delivering on our pledge to plant one million trees. I encourage more people to register their trees on the Council's website, as this will greatly support us in achieving our target.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in this year's Best Kept Gardens. It is truly inspiring to see the ongoing efforts and dedication of our residents, who take immense pride in their gardens”

Award winners by Category are as follows;

Best Kept Garden:

• First place: William Crawford
• Runner up: John Buckley

Best Kept Community Planting:

• First place: Ballynure and District Friendship Group
• Runner up: Duneane Allotments

Best Kept Front Garden/Container:

• First place: Robert Tyrrell
• Runner up: Florence Faulkner

Best Kept School:

• First place: Carnmoney Primary School
• Runner up: Fairview Primary

Best Kept Commercial Premises:

• First place: The Hill Tavern, Glengormley
• Runner up: McConnell’s Bar, Doagh

Most Wildlife Friendly Planting

• First place: Holly House Gardens
• Runner up: Lynn Moran

Most Sustainable Planting:

• First place: Graham Seymour
• Runner up: Monkstown Community Gardens

Best Kept Allotments:

• First place: Eric McCrubb
• Runner up: Gary Thomson