Mansfield residents June and Tony Harvey have turned their green fingers to gold after scooping Mansfield District Council’s coveted Best Kept Garden award.

Their garden on the Grange Farm Estate caught the eyes of the judges, who were impressed with the couple’s colourful floral displays, range of planting, manicured lawn and environmentally-friendly approach to gardening.

Congratulating June and Tony on their success, competition judge and council parks development officer Andy Chambers said: “This was a fantastic, well-maintained and loved garden at its very best.

“From the topiary at the front of the house, through to the wonderful planting, pond and arbour at the back, this garden created colour and interest in every nook and cranny.”

The couple, who also received a gold award, will now go forward to the East Midlands in Bloom Best Kept Garden competition in 2017, which will be judged as part of Mansfield’s entry in the city category next July.

Tony, who first started growing plants when he was a young boy, said: “We started work on this garden 42 years ago when we were first married. We are both passionate about gardening and love experimenting with plants. June loves fuchsias and at one time we had 40 varieties.”

Runners-up were Avril and John Marshall, whose garden in Mansfield Woodhouse also received a gold award. The couple have been gardening since they were first married almost 60 years ago and have always found time for gardening, despite running a bakery before retiring at the age of 68.

“Our garden is a labour of love,” said Avril. “I have to admit it’s a never-ending job as we are always planning what we will do next. We look at what’s worked this year and plan for the next year. I find gardening therapeutic.”

The competition was sponsored by Mansfield District Council, the Four Seasons Shopping Centre and TKR Window Cleaning Service.

The results, which were announced at the Mansfield BID Garden and Craft festival, were:
First place: June and Tony Harvey – gold award and £100 (sponsored by Four Seasons Shopping Centre).
Second place: Avril and John Marshall – gold award and £75 (sponsored by Mansfield District Council).
Third place: Jean Goodall – silver gilt award and £25 (sponsored by TKR window cleaning services).
Silver gilt award: Sean George Batho.
Silver award: Janette Whitechurch and Colin Toon.
Bronze award: Ena Whitehurst and Gary Gammond.

Portfolio holder for the environment at Mansfield District Council, Coun Andrew Tristram, said: “I congratulate everyone who took part in this competition and shared their beautiful gardens with us. The overall standard was high and reflected the gardeners’ hard work, dedication and enjoyment.

“Studies have shown that gardening is good for you, as it can lower blood pressure, increase brain activity and produce a sense of well-being. No matter how big or small your garden or outside space is, you can have a go at growing and creating a green environment.”