GREEN-fingered gurus across Inverclyde have been recognised for their blooming brilliant gardens in an annual competition.

Entries for this year's Cardwell Gardenfest were described as 'exceptional' as judges faced the tricky challenge of selecting the winners.

Twice as many gardens than last year were put forward for the competition, with Cardwell Garden Centre director Kieran Gallagher and Tele gardening correspondent George Irvine tasked with selecting who is top of the pots.

The judges were impressed by the efforts of Greenock couple John and Elizabeth McGovern, whose back court tenement garden clinched the overall Best Garden award.

Kieran said: "This garden is the backcourt of a tenement, so it’s not only a place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet, but it’s also used for hanging washing out to dry.

"The balance between form and function is a hard one to get right, but this garden is spot on.

"Every wall and fence is covered in hanging baskets, containers and borders filled with colour and high quality plants."

Youngster Thomas Williams made it a double when he won the Junior Class Award for the second year running.

The 15-year-old from Port Glasgow was judged to have developed and improved his gardening skills in the past year.

The Judge's Discretionary Award went to Holmes McIlvar from Gourock who continues to tend to his garden despite having severe mobility issues.

Mr Irvine said: "This garden was nominated by Mr McIlvar’s niece, Annette Wilson, who described her uncle as having poor mobility, but said he still manages to work on his garden every day.

"Annette told us that her uncle can’t manage to stand and bend down, so instead he ‘lies down on his tummy’ to tend his plants and flowers.

"Even for someone without mobility issues, this is a high-quality garden and Mr McIlvar is to be commended for his dedication to his garden."

The Best Containers prize was won by Hugh Gibson from Largs and the Best Hanging Baskets award went to Gourockian Richard Melrose.

Junior entrant Isla Crawford from Gourock also received an honourable mention for her impressive sunflowers and all winners received a £50 gift voucher and trophy for their efforts.

Kieran added: "In general, every entrant’s garden had something of real quality.

"The overall standard this year was exceptional."

====

Best Garden winners John & Elizabeth McGovern, with judges George Irvine and Cardwell director Kieran Gallagher.

Hugh Gibson shows off his best containers.

Richard Melrose with his prizewinning hanging baskets.

Thomas Williams with his junior class trophy.

Isla Crawford who received an honourable mention from the judges for her amazing sunflowers.