Our next adjudicator knows a thing or two about gardens and beautiful plants! Claire Woods is Head Gardener at the stunning Hillsborough Castle gardens. NIVA Council is grateful to Claire for taking the time to judge this huge class. Her adjudication is reproduced below:

“In third place entry 3 the outdoor tomatoes , 🍅🍅🍅🍅a truly impressive feat this entrant really must have green fingers , the tomatoes look healthy and a good size. Top of the Toms. 

In second place entry 18, this entrant has either a really eye for colour coordination and design, or else the foxgloves have self seeded in the perfect situation – a gorgeous combination. 

In first place entry 6, a wonderful range of unusual veg, lots of skill time and attention to detail needed to grow such a selection. 

Overall I was very impressed, it was great to see so many entries, the bees were fascinating, and the garden with the bird feeders and the roses deserve a special mention. Many of the gardeners seem to have green fingers 🧤👩‍🌾maybe  if they wanted a career change they could consider gardening. 

Well done to everyone . Happy gardening🌿🌱🌷🌼🌻🌺🌞🍓🥦🥬🥕🧤”

Special mention for John & Susie Hill‘s garden with bird feeders (the bees are theirs too! Both entries submitted by Susie)

So . . . in third place David Marshall

In second place Jo Gibson

In first place Susie Hill