Jackie proves what we all know – a granny’s garden really is the best

By Victoria Raimes

Last updated 09:25, Saturday, 30 August 2008

A CARLISLE gran showed her flower power when she was awarded Best Kept Garden in the annual Carlisle in Bloom competition.

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Silver: Second place went to this Wetheral garden

Jackie Stockdale, 68, from Stanwix, was delighted to receive the prestigious accolade – even though she wasn’t aware she had entered the competition.

Grandaughter Demi, 13, put Jackie in the running because she admired the colourful flowers blossoming in her gran’s garden.

But Jackie only found out when a letter landed on her doormat telling her she was the winner.

Jackie said: “I was absolutely shocked. At first I couldn’t believe it. I thought Demi must have entered me into a school competition, not for a district award. It was overwhelming but I was incredibly pleased.”

Of the 25 gardens that entered, judge Russell Maddams, Horticultural Officer for Carlisle City Council, said Jackie’s blooms were undoubtedly the best.

“The garden is amazing because it has a bit of everything. It provides all-round interest and is beautifully kept,” he said.

Sponsor Bruce Walker, who presented Jackie with a trophy and £75 worth of vouchers from his gardening business, Westwood Nurseries, added: “It’s really fantastic. Very well laid out, especially considering the wet August we’ve had.”

Jackie’s garden is currently filled with flowers such as begonias, petunias and sweet peas, which she changes seasonally.

Her green-fingered adventure began when at just six years old Jackie’s grandmother gave her a small plot of land where she could grow seedlings and radishes.

Now Jackie spends every spare minute among her flower beds. “I’ll go out every day to remove a few dead heads, but I get totally engrossed and end up gardening for hours,” she said.

“I’m naturally drawn there. I get so much pleasure that other people enjoy the garden as much as myself.”

And she reveals there is a secret behind her miracle grows: “Letting nature take care of most things. There’s no need to fuss, apart from with the weeding,” she said.

The awards ceremony took place yesterday afternoon at Tullie House. Second prize was awarded to Mr and Mrs Crocker of Greenacres, Wetheral, and third prize went to David Cameron-McIntosh of London Road, Carlisle. They received £50 and £25 worth of Westwood vouchers respectively.