THE annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s Garden Competition saw 19 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 large garden winners, Jason Smith and Nic Darby from Mangerton, and the overall garden winner Erika Savory from Lyme Regis who were accompanied by the Melplash Agricultural Society President, Ralph Newman, and the chairman Will Frost.

Mr Frost said. “We were all very impressed by the high quality and standard of entries. They are a credit to everyone who has taken part in this year's competition.”

Melplash Agricultural Society organiser, Peter Yeates added: "This year was another fantastic garden competition. We were very pleased to have several entries from new residents to the area and were particularly pleased with the increased number of entries in the allotment category. Well done to everyone who entered and special thanks to this year’s judges.”

Sue and Colin Dyer from Long Bredy won the big garden category and the best overall garden in the first year of entering.

The judges said although quite traditional their garden was an inspiration for gardeners of all ages and all walks of life.

Jason Smith and Nic Darby said: “Real vision and expertise on show.. this garden will be a real stunner in a few years after continuous hard work.”

Erika Savory added: “ A proper garden and proper gardeners - inspirational, heart lifting and as soothing as a summer breeze.”

Mrs Dyer, who has been a passionate gardener all her life and been inspired by living in the country and coming from a family of keen gardeners, said they'd only entered to support the competition after a plea for more entries was sent to the Bride Valley Gardening Club.

Mrs Dyer added: "It is very exciting to win, we didn't expect it.

"I have been a gardener all my life and when the children were growing up I read as many gardening books as I could get my hands on."

Second in the large garden category was Joyce Newton from Bothenhampton.

Former Litton Cheney residents Hugh and Carol Lindsay, whose garden there was open regularly with the National Gardens Scheme, won the medium garden at their Beaminster home.

Judges said: "Perfectly executed walled garden in harmony with period house, yet informal and relaxed.”

Second were Peter and Barbara Lacey from Lyme Regis.

The winner of the small garden was Stephanie Harvey from Bridport.

The judges said it was a 'purposely designed and well executed easy maintenance garden which can be adapted to changing seasons with minimum fuss'.

Seconder were Ian and Margaret Hill, Bridport

Allotment winners were Bryony Medus and Keith Seaman, Bridport who showed they were, said the judges. 'well informed, very organised - showing passion and dedication'.

Joint second were Donald Jolliff, Netherbury and John Studley, Hinton St George.

The garden considered by the judges to be the best overall was Mr and Mrs Colin and Sue Dyer’s from Long Bredy

The awards will be presented at the Melplash Show on Thursday August24.