E2i are thrilled to be able to announce the winners of ateb’s 2020 Gardening Competition.  All marks are out of 40.  There were four judges, all of whom are ateb staff members: Ania Eva, Christine Whelton, Julie Edwards & Ruth Preece.  We’ve seen some fantastic recycling, up-cycling and innovation and we are really pleased & proud of how you really did make use of old & made your gardens flourish during some very challenging times.  The standard was very high; the variety of entries was extensive and the unique way in which each competitor interpreted the title of their class was fabulous to see – well done everybody and thank you for sharing your wonderful gardens. 

The prizes have all been sent via email, so if you have any trouble finding or using these electronic gift vouchers, please get in touch.

Best Use of Old 

1st Susan Thomas (Pen y Cwm)  38 points (main illustration)

Judges’ Comments: 

“I love the use of teacups as flowerpots, and the decorative kayak paddle and bicycle. Really beautiful.”   

“I really liked this one – The use of the cycle helmets and basket to liven up an old bicycle is a great idea. I also thought that the use of the tumble dryer/washing machine drum was very novel. It mixes innovative ideas to re-use old items in imaginative ways. “

2nd Jean Wright (St Florence)  16 points 

3rd Netty Jones (Pembroke)  10 points 

Best Young Person’s Garden 

1st Oliver & Angel (St Florence)  38 points 

Judges’ Comments: 

“Great variety of work put in by this competitor: Fresh paint, giving old furniture new life and growing veggies. Looks great!” 

“Excellent use of small garden. Keeping the children occupied and introducing them to growing things and recycling old containers – Keep up the good work”  

Best Eco/Wildlife Garden 

1st Jean Wright (St Florence) 29 points  

Judge’s Comments: 

“This garden is a wonderful attraction to wildlife with the bird feeders hanging high away from predators and avoiding the attraction of vermin, which shows the garden is well thought out and planned.  The garden flowers are colourful to attract bees and butterflies and increases pollination of plants and flowers.  The pictures of the squirrel and birds eating in the garden show what a lovely attraction it is to them to feed and enjoy whilst also providing good viewing for the owner.  A Win Win situation!  The nod to eco–friendly windmill and the re-use of water from a water butt is also an effective use of energy whilst still providing a beautiful garden for the owner and wildlife to enjoy. Well done!” 

2nd Shannon Folena (Haverfordwest) 26 points 

3rd Margaret Barker (Milford Haven) 21 points 

Most Improved Garden 

1st Lola Balntas (Bristol) 28.5 points 

Judge’s Comments: 

“The differences between the before and after pictures for this garden are immense! The well laid out raised beds look wonderful and the lovely picket fence really offsets the length of the garden well in separating different areas. The plants are well laid out throughout and I love the painted bench and its position enabling it to overlook the garden area. Very neat garden, with character and well–fitting colour scheme. A really pleasing sight to the eye. Well done this garden owner, showing real flair and imagination.”  

2nd Barrie Williamson (Pembroke) 19 points 

3rd Netty Jones (Pembroke) 10 points 

Best Edible Produce 

1st Anne Jones (Pembroke) 40 points 

Judges’ Comments: 

“Such a variety, fruit bushes, rhubarb, peas, beans, what looks like sweetcorn, onions, carrots, leeks… did I miss anything out?” 

“This garden has a great variety of edible produce. The borders are very well organised and neat and the plants have lots of light and are well supported.  The variety, organised way in which the planting had been done, and the neatness and tidiness of the borders made it really stand out to me.  Well done Anne. Enjoy your produce!”  

2nd Jean Wright (St Florence) 17 points 

3rd William (New Hedges) 15 points 

Best Adult Garden 

1st Roy Sword (Haverfordwest) 25 points 

Judges’ Comments: 

“A lovely variety of annuals and more mature shrubs, trees and roses set this garden off very well. It looks extremely well cared for and the beauty is shared by planting pots at the front of the property too – which looks lovely from the street view on approach to visitors and passers-by.  The garden looks really clean and tidy and the flowers are flourishing. This looks like a garden which has taken years of love and attention to mature and develop.” 

“The coloured pots really set off the lovely planting and the paving stones look well kept and clean against the bright pots. This garden is as immaculate as they get I would say! Well done the owners for the attention to detail. A garden to enjoy with pride for sure.”  

2nd William (New Hedges) 18 points 

3rd Karen Maindorge (Haverfordwest) 15 points 

Most Innovative Use of Small Space 

1st Paul Sharp & Jane Read (Pembroke) 27 points 

“This garden has been completely transformed! It looks a really good area to sit in and relax and the colours used work really well. A really good job of blending in the fence and seating area with the use of colour and the contrast of the grass sets a lovely scene for a neat and well designed family garden.  Well done. Well designed and looks like a lot of work went into it.” 

“I love the use of the sleepers for the retaining structure for the upper level. There is a lot in this garden in such a small space.” 

 2nd Sarah Roche(Pembroke) 26 points 

3rd Anne Jones (Pembroke) 6 points 

A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ATEB CUSTOMERS, AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY, WHO TOOK PART IN THIS COMPETITION THIS YEAR