The first time of asking

A green-fingered couple have won our gardening competition at the first time of asking – and just 3 years after giving their garden a complete transformation.

David and Jean Chaney’s garden in Carrside, Durham scooped first prize in the 2024 competition.

The couple’s hard work to transform their garden impressed a judging panel of over 20 people, which included DAMHA staff and board members.

The judging was done via an online poll with only the pictures of the gardening being displayed, so no-one would have recognised where the garden was.

David and Jean, who have received a certificate and cash prize of £50 for winning the competition, have lived in their current DAMHA bungalow for three years and have worked hard to transform their outdoor space, including adding wooden planting boxes, garden furniture and plenty of pots, trees, and shrubs.

David says: “When we moved in there was just grass in the garden and having been keen gardeners all our lives, we wanted to do have a nice outside space to enjoy.

“We brought potted plants and trees from our old house, and it’s been a real labour of love over the past few years getting it to the stage it is now.

“We entered the competition as a bit of fun, never thinking we would win, so to do this at the first time of asking is amazing.

“We’ve already put the £50 back into the garden as it never stops!!

Paul Mullis, DAMHA Chief Executive said: “We’re delighted to add David and Jean to our gardening competition roll of honour.

“It’s always nice when our newer residents enter the competition, and it was obvious to the judging panel the amount of work they have put into their garden and the pride they take in it. They are very deserving winners.”

Second prize went to Ronnie Robson, of Waterfront Gardens, Consett, and third prize went to Pauline Boll, of Dovecote, Chester-le-Street.