East Ayrshire garden competition winners crowned at awards

The awards recognise the top amateur gardeners from across the district.

Mr Mitchell. (Image: David Gordon)

A special award ceremony, sponsored by Tivoli Group Ltd and Gemmell's Garden Centre, was held recently at the council’s headquarters in Kilmarnock.

The ceremony was officially opened by councillor Jim McMahon who also presented the prizes.

Best private garden 2026. (Image: David Gordon)

Best council garden Cumnock and Doon Valley 2026. (Image: David Gordon)

Winners ranged from ages 15 to 102, in another competitive field.

The youngest winner was Miss Graham from Dalmellington who is just 15-years-old and was recognised with a special achievement award, while the oldest winner was Mr Mitchell from Galston, who is an incredible 102.

Best hanging baskets 2026. (Image: David Gordon)

Ms Hall and Mr Conning with provost Leitch, depute provost McGhee and cllr McMahon. (Image: David Gordon)

Cllr McMahon said: “Young or old, or in between – the hard work of these wonderful people has a huge impact on their communities bringing colour and improving biodiversity.

"While I’ve been out walking, or driving through East Ayrshire, I have really enjoyed seeing the finalists’ gardens and I know I am not the only one.

Best private garden Cumnock and Doon Valley 2026. (Image: David Gordon)

Ms Hall and Mr Conning overall winners. (Image: David Gordon)

“A huge well done to everyone involved, particularly our judges, who had an unenviable task; to Greener Communities and Housing Services for their hard work organising the competition and to all our gardeners, who have my thanks and appreciation.”

A full list of the winners:

Best council garden, Kilmarnock central and north

• Winner: Miss Hall, Habbieauld Road, Kilmaurs
• Runners-up: Mr and Mrs Smith, Todhill Avenue, Kilmarnock

Best private garden, Kilmarnock central and north

• Winner: Mr Conning, Corsehillbank, Stewarton
• Runner-up: Mrs Farquhar, Glebe Terrace, Fenwick

Best council garden, Kilmarnock south and Irvine Valley

• Winner: Mr and Mrs Rowney, Castleview Avenue, Galston
• Runner-up: Miss Muir, Lanfine Quadrant, Darvel

Best private garden, Kilmarnock south and Irvine Valley

• Winner: Mr Vincent and Mr Astill, Clearmount Avenue, Newmilns
• Runner-up: Mr Milloy, Burnpark Road, Kilmarnock

Best council garden, Cumnock and Doon Valley

• Winner: Mr Dorrian, Eriff Road, Bellsbank
• Runner-up: Mrs Fox, Henderson Drive, Muirkirk

Best private garden, Cumnock and Doon Valley

• Winner: Mr Hogg, Oakbank Drive, Cumnock
• Runner-up: Mr Hunter, Mauchline Road, Ochiltree

Jennifer Elliot memorial award for best rose garden
Presented by Sharon Tomlinson

• Winner: Mr Mitchell, Brewlands Street, Galston
• Runner-up: Morton Park Rose Garden, Morton Park, Darvel

John McKenzie memorial award for best community garden
Presented by Amberley and Victoria McKenzie

• Winner: Netherthird Community Garden
• Runner-up: Knockentiber Community Garden, Knockentiber

Best vegetable garden

• Winner: Mr Stewart, Onthank Drive, Kilmarnock
• Runner-up: Mr and Mrs Leroy, Baillie Drive, Logan

Best hanging baskets and planters

• Winner: Mr Lang, Holmlea Place, Kilmarnock
• Runner-up: Mr Armour, McNaughton Walk, Kilmarnock

Environmentally friendly award

• Winner: Mrs Ross, Dalleagles, New Cumnock
• Runner-up: Mr Ralston, Knockinlaw Road, Kilmarnock

Best newcomer

• Winner: Mrs Weir, Glasgow Road, Muirkirk
• Runner-up: Mr Gow, West Park Avenue, Mauchline

Special achievement award

• Winner: Miss Graham, Park Crescent, Dalmellington

Cleaner greener most vibrant village

• Winner: New Cumnock
• Runner-up: Mauchline

Cleaner greener most vibrant street

• Winner: Garven Court, Kilmarnock
• Runner-up: Afton Court, New Cumnock