24 greenfingered gardeners compete in Melplash Agricultural Society's competition

The annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s Garden Competition saw 24 gardens and allotments entered this year, stretching from Lyme Regis to Hinton St George.

The competition was judged over two days by last year’s overall large garden winners, Colin and Sue Dyer from Long Bredy, and small garden winner Stephanie Harvey from Bridport. They were accompanied by the Melplash Agricultural Society president, Richard King, his wife Roz, chairman Jo Sage and vice chairman James Vickery. The stewards were Peter Yeates and Clifford Pitcher.

Mr King said: “All the gardens and allotments were fantastic, a real credit to their owners. I am full of admiration for the work that has been done by them to get their gardens looking so good.”

Mrs Sage added: “It was a real privilege to see so many wonderful gardens this week. Walking through their homes, opening the back door to be wowed by what is there is a real treat. One thing that really struck me was everyone’s enthusiasm for their gardens and their plants, from the tiny courtyard gardens to the large open gardens.”

Melplash Agricultural Society organiser, Peter Yeates, congratulated all those who entered the competition and said choosing a winner was difficult.

He said: “Well done to everyone who entered and our grateful thanks to the judges who had the difficult task of selecting the winners. Thanks also go to our sponsors this year, Bridport’s W M James & Co. There were good entries in all the categories, and this year we are very pleased to be awarding the special prize to Bridport St Mary’s School Edible Garden Project.”

The overall winner of the competition was John Studley of Hinton St George.

All prizes will be presented at this year’s Melplash Show on Thursday, August 23.

Preparations are being finalised ahead of this year’s show, which is one of the region's premier agricultural events and will feature an extensive range of competitive events for local classes.