Issue 505 – blooming marvellous!

Melksham couple Robert and Valerie Dickenson's unusual and imaginative garden triumphed in this year's Melksham in Bloom competition.

The couple, who live in Place Road, impressed judges with their quirky garden which features gothic gargoyles, flowering archways, and even a Chinese inspired tea room.
"We spend a lot of time at weekends working on the garden but at the moment, because of the time of year, we are just enjoying spending time in it," Valerie said.
"We moved here four years ago and it was all grown over, so it has come a long way. We like to keep it fun because at the end of the day that's what gardening should be about."

Results

Large front garden (domestic): Winner: Mr and Mrs Dickenson. Second: Mr & Mrs Galpin. Third: Brian Petty.
Large rear garden (domestic): Winner: Mr and Mrs Dickenson. Second: Janet Rees. Third: Ms Phred Goodhead & Mr Dave Ballantyne.
Small front garden (domestic): Winner: Denise Adlington. Second: Mr & Mrs Pearce. Third: Mr & Mrs Sandford.
Small rear garden (domestic): Winner: Iris Fryer. Second: Matt Coyle. Third: Miss Liz Harrison.
Paved area frontage or backyard (domestic): Winner: Brian Petty. Second: Matthew and Eddie Dicks. Third: Nikki Green.
Best decorated site (commercial/licensed/industrial premises): Winner: D J Bewley Funeral Directors. Second: Buds Bar. Third: Critters Pet Care.
Best single tub/container (domestic): Winner: Brian Petty. Second: Mr & Mrs Pearce. Third: Sylvia Booth.
Best single hanging basket (domestic): Winner: Mr & Mrs Galpin. Second: Mr & Mrs Pearce. Third: Denise Adlington.
Best Allotment: Winner: Trevor Large. Second: Alan Burden. Third: David Evans.
Best Street: Winner: Woodcombe. Second: Church Walk. Third: Rowley Place.
Best single hanging basket /planter/trough (commercial/licensed/industrial premises): Winner: Pearces Carpets & Curtains. Second: Rowley Place equal with Critters Pet Care.
Most unusual garden (to include imaginative design, unusual features and plants): Winner: Mr & Mrs Dickenson. Second: Matthew & Eddie Dicks. Third: Kenneth Harrold.
Wildlife Friendly Garden: Winner: Liz Harrison. Second: Mr & Mrs Dickenson. Third: Matt Coyle.