Bradford on Avon gardeners were under the spotlight last week as they were judged for the town’s Bradford Blooms competition.

The competition, sponsored by the town council, was free to enter and open to all residents, schools and local businesses and is designed to encourage gardening as a hobby for all ages and to enhance the appearance of the town.

Winners were selected from 14 categories, which were a mixture of residential and commercial, and were assessed by two judges.

Penny Hopgood and Sally Wilson, who were on holiday when the judging took place, live in Rosemary Walk and their terraced garden won best overall garden.

Mrs Hopgood said: “It was a lovely surprise to come home and find we had won. We are very grateful to all our friends for watering the garden while we were away.”

The garden has vegetables growing up one side and the main garden is terraced with an array of colours.

Mrs Hopgood, who is retired, said: “We have worked at the garden for six years. We had to have it landscaped. It has been a lot of fun and we really enjoy doing it. It is a great hobby for us both.

“It is nice to get out and do it, rather than sitting indoors. It is very relaxing to be out, watching things grow and seeing the end results.”

Judge Jenny Woodall said: “It was a nicely executed design. It was a hard landscaping of the plot because it was quite steep but it was nicely landscaped and the planting was very varied.

“They were all enthusiastic gardeners who wanted to do their best.

“It has been a difficult year for gardening. The flowers have gone from a cold late spring with no rain and then bombarded by the heat.”

The winners will be presented their trophies at the awards ceremony on Wednesday at Bradford on Avon Town Council offices.

All the Bradford Blooms 2013 winners

  • Best Garden Visible from a Public Place: Mr Neville Day
  • Best Display of Hanging Baskets:Richard Maslen
  • Best Vegetable Garden or Allotment: Mrs Benson
  • Best Garden Overall: Penny Hopgood and Sally Wilson
  • Best Terrace or Balcony: Mr David Spinney
  • Best School or Club Garden by Students/Young People: Christ Church Gardening Club
  • Best Pub/Restaurant External Floral Display: 1 The RIsing Sun; 2 The Three Gables
  • Best Shop Floral Display Internal or External: Tillions
  • Best Enhancement of a Public Space by Business: Canal Trust Cafe
  • Best Enhancement of a Public Space by a Private Individual or Individuals: The Railway Station
  • Best Enhancement of a Place of Worship (External Features):Quaker Meeting House