Is there a national gardener of the year in Moray?

Moray gardeners issued a challenge.

THE SEARCH FOR the best gardener is Scotland has been launched – and organisers are challenging Moray’s green-fingered residents to pitch their forks into the contest.

It is the first time that national outdoor living show Gardening Scotland has ran the competition – and they say that their Gardener of the Year award will be open to anyone with a passion for creating “inspiring outdoor spaces”.

That is regardless if they are experts or novices, young or old – amateur or professional, all can apply while nominations are also sought for those too shy to come forward themselves.

The winner of the award will be selected by an expert panel of judges who are looking for a gardener with infectious enthusiasm, a drive to learn and a passion for gardening. The announcement will be made at Gardening Scotland 2017, which takes place at the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, from June 2 to June 4.

The lucky winner will receive, amongst other prizes, £250 of Caulders Garden Centre vouchers to spend on transforming their own outdoor space.

Martin Dare, Gardening Scotland’s organiser said: “Gardening Scotland is a celebration of all things related to the great outdoors. We know for a fact there are thousands of outstanding gardeners who never get recognised for their hard work and commitment to gardening – we want that to change, which is why we’re launching this new award.

“To enter, all you need to do is send a written submission of no more than 250 words explaining why you or the person you are nominating should be considered for Gardening Scotland’s Gardener of the Year Award. Please also send relevant photographs and drawings. Entries should be emailed to info@gardeningscotland.com before the deadline on May 1.”