A retired cabin crew worker from Renfrewshire has won a national gardening award.
Garden centre retailer Dobbies has announced its ‘Not Your Average Gardener’ winners, with green-fingered Lochwinnoch resident Jane Clark scooping the most sustainable gardener prize.
The community initiative aims to celebrate and support passionate gardeners from across the UK, irrespective of experience or gardening space, following the positive rise in people enjoying the pastime this year.
Dobbies’ judging panel included broadcaster Jo Whiley; Dobbies’ ambassador and ITV This Morning’s Daisy Payne; Dobbies’ ambassador and gardening influencer Henry Agg and Dobbies’ horticultural director Marcus Eyles, who judged this award.
The retired British Airways cabin crew member impressed the judges with her eco-friendly and sustainably-managed garden.
Jane, 62, told how her passion came about. She said: “From a very young age I’ve always been fascinated about gardening and growing my own fruit and vegetables.
“My dad loved gardening and taught me everything I know.
“From digging up my first potato harvest as a young child, to getting sustainable tips on how to reduce waste by eating what’s grown in the garden, my dad’s been an inspiration.”
Jane shared her top tips to Buddies who are interested in getting started in gardening.
“Gardening is for everyone,” she said, “no matter the space.
“Whether you’re in an apartment or have access to acres of land, you can give this hobby a go.
“My best bit of advice would be to learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to try something new.
“Once you sow your first pack of seeds, you’ll get plenty joy from seeing the shoots peek through the soil bed.
“I’ve turned my garden into a wildlife haven and find real peace in hearing the birds singing, watching the bumblebees, butterflies and other insects hover over the pollinating plants and hedgehogs call the garden home.”
Jane continued: “My 93-year-old mum is always in awe of the garden and helps me cut fresh blooms to display in our homes.”
Jane received a gift card to spend in store, plus support and advice from the Dobbies’ team on how best to bring her garden to life in a sustainable way.
Mr Eyles added: “We are thankful for everyone who took the time to enter our awards and offer the winners, including Jane, our warmest congratulations.
“There were lots of positives from Jane’s entry – she had a great attitude to a challenging garden with heavy clay and exposed position, with a clear goal to achieve a wildlife friendly and sustainable garden.
“It was fantastic to see everything was organic, with no chemicals, as well as all the great fruit and vegetables she grows in her garden for healthy, seasonal eating.
“I’ll look forward to seeing what Jane does next with her garden.”
For more details on Dobbies’ Not Your Average Gardener, visit www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-gardener-awards
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