Keen gardeners across town entered their patches of pride in this year’s event, resulting in it being hailed as very successful.

Rotary Club organiser Micael O’Brien said the talent on show in gardens across the area was simply astounding.

“The standard of gardens, given the season, was fantastic,” he said.

“Some of the people who live out of town who probably have water problems didn’t show it in their gardens.

“Overall, everyone was very pleased with the competition.”

The winners were revealed at a special presentation ceremony held on Sunday afternoon in Mr O’Brien’s beautiful backyard.

“It was a wonderful day for it,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It was hot but the garden had plenty of shade.”

Judge Margaret Brennan handed out the awards and gave a personal presentation to each of the participants.

“Rather than spieling on about each garden at the presentations, each participant received a written commentary on their garden from Margaret,” Mr O’Brien said.

“There are some really good gardens around Wellington.”

While Mrs Brennan was pleased to be able to participate in this year’s event, Mr O’Brien said a new judge would be selected next year.

“Each year we change them (the judges) because everyone has different perspectives on gardens,” he said.

“The Rotary Club is certainly pleased with it all; we had about 60 people attend the presentations.”

Although there were 10 sections, only awards in nine sections were handed out.

“One section, the public gardens, had no entries,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It’s a pity because places like the roundabouts are looking great at the moment.

“Noel and Helen Grimes also offered people to come and look at their garden after the presentations, which was very generous of them.”