Mansfield couple Tony and June Harvey (above) have notched up a hat-trick of gardening wins.

They found success in Mansfield District Council’s Best Kept Garden competition, taking the top prize for three successive years.

The couple’s colourful floral displays, topiary, and environmentally-friendly approach to gardening at their home on the Grange Farm Estate impressed the judges in the Mansfield District Council-sponsored competition.

The couple’s garden was described as absolutely fantastic.

Judges said: “The planting throughout was a pleasure to see.

“From the topiary on the front, to the plants as you walk through the tropically-planted carport into the back garden, (they) were all truly excellent.

“Every nook and cranny is planted, creating interest throughout the garden.”

The competition is held annually to encourage people in the district to care for their gardens and help to make Mansfield a greener and more pleasant place to live.

Coun Andrew Tristram, portfolio holder for the environment and wellbeing, said: “Well done to all those who took part in this year’s competition.

“There were some impressive entries, which gave the judges a difficult job.

“We had two very worthy winners in Mr and Mrs Harvey, who have shown for three years that their dedication and green fingers are the seeds of their success.”

The Silver Gilt Award, sponsored by Mansfield District Council, was presented to runner-up Jean Goodall.

Jjudges said her back garden was an array of colour from annuals and perennials.

They said: “The added water feature and pond were impressive.

“Climbing plants complemented the excellent hanging baskets and planters, all grown by Jean.”

Silver awards were given to third-placed Deb Haslam, and Paula Barrett, John Ager and Corinna Brown.

The judges said of Deb’s garden: “A superb effort in Deb’s first year of entering and full credit goes to her for her hard work keeping the garden clean and tidy and interesting.

“A combination of shrubs, perennials and annuals were planted throughout and were colourful and healthy.”

The judges said of wheelchair-user Paula’s garden: “The garden is paved and with a large number of colourful, raised sleeper beds.

“The entire garden was well presented and well maintained, planted with perennials, grasses and annuals, with the odd shrub adding additional interest.”

The judges said of first-time entrant John’s balcony garden: “The colour and attention to detail were impressive.
“The garden showcased planted containers with various plants, including lavenders, begonias, petunias, herbs and two stunning bougainvillea, as well as some topiary and alpines.

“It was a superb effort by John in such a small area to work with.”

The judges said of Corinna’s cottage garden-style plot: “This is the second year Corinna has entered the competition and it was looking very colourful, with a vegetable area, lawn and borders, leading to paving with planters and clematis in full colour. An excellent effort.”

Bronze awards went to Maxine Chapman and Zoe Haslam.

Judges said of first-time entrant Maxine’s garden: “A lovely front garden meets you on entering the driveway with a good variation of plants, colours and garden ornaments. A superb effort.”

They added that the garden of Zoe, another first-time entrant,was clean and tidy and interesting.

“A combination of shrubs, perennials and annuals were planted throughout and were colourful and healthy during the judging,” the judges said.