Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Ron’s glorious garden secures golden success
Chryston resident Ron Shepherd used his green fingers to create a golden success as he was crowned winner of a competition to find the area’s best front garden.
He won the top prize of £100 plus a special certificate for what judges called a “glorious display of flowers, trees and shrubs”.
Angela Buchanan was among the runners-up in the contest, which was organised by Chryston community council and sponsored by Bellway Homes – and attracted dozens of entries.
The residents’ group thought creatively to ensure they could still run a community event after lockdown and coronavirus restrictions forced the cancellation of many of the area’s regular planned activities.
Community council chair Brian Elder said: “We had to look at alternatives and settled on a garden competition – but we could only consider front gardens which judges could view without going on premises.
“Ron’s garden really stood out, especially as it still looked wonderful despite the bad weather we had before the judging.
“We’re grateful to everyone who entered or whose garden was nominated by neighbours and friends, and to Bellway for sponsoring the event after they very kindly asked us if there were any community events they could support.”
Pauline Coates of Bellway, who are building in the area, said: “Chryston has a fantastic community spirit and it is great to see how everyone has pulled together during the pandemic to keep that alive.
“It seems like a lot of people spent lockdown in the garden, as the whole village is blooming – it can’t have been easy for the judges as they couldn’t meet face- to- face, but they did an amazing job and Mr Shepherd is a worthy winner.”