Monday May 25th 2026
The closing date for this year's competition is 31 August 2025
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Midlothian’s annual council tenant’s gardening competition is back with entire open now.
Green-fingered residents can enter the contest in one of two categories:
– Best Overall Garden
– Tallest Sunflower (for under 15s)
Last year’s winner was Woodburn resident Patrik, who wowed the judging panel with a stunning DIY refurbishment of his weed-strewn back green into an inviting, semi-enclosed outdoor dining space and cooking area.
However, even modest changes to outdoor spaces can have a big impact, as demonstrated by our runner-up, Mrs. Donald, who gave her front and back gardens in Bonnyrigg a fresh new look with turf and colourful potted plants.
Younger gardeners are included too – as well as a main first and second prize, there’s also an under 15s section for the county’s finest sunflower, won last year by three year-old Maisie Snedden.
Her winning entry was a dazzling specimen cultivated from a tiny seedling at her grandparents house in Bonnyrigg.
Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Stuart McKenzie said:
“Every year we see the pride our tenants take in making their gardens welcoming, colourful and full of life. Our gardening competition is a fantastic way to celebrate that effort, whether you’ve created a beautiful flower display, a space for nature and wildlife like bees or insects or simply a place to relax. I’d really encourage everyone to get involved and share the wonderful outdoor spaces that help make our communities such great places to live.”
To be in with a shot of winning the council’s gardening competition, you can nominate yourself, or someone you know.
Simply take a couple of photos of your handiwork and email them with your details to [email protected]
Prizes come courtesy of Pentland Plants Garden Centre in Loanhead.
A podium finish will earn you one of their vouchers, helping make your garden even better.
– First place – £25
– Second place – £15
– Under 15s category – £10
The closing date for this year’s competition is 31 August 2025.
Tweet Share on Facebook
