SLIDESHOW: Best small back garden success

Margaret Davies has created her Kempston garden from scratch over the last 29 years and said she is delighted with her first prize, as she was a runner-up in a previous competition.

Garden of the Year 2013 is run by the Times & Citizen and Biggleswade Chronicle with Frosts at Willington.

She said: “I decided to have another go and I was so pleased to win. It’s recognition of my efforts.”

Never using any pesticides or insecticides, her garden visitors and residents include hedgehogs, squirrels and a variety of birds, while a pond has attracted frogs, toads and newts. A slow worm also made an appearance!

The grass snakes made a nest in a hedge at the bottom of the garden, which backs onto the river.

Margaret’s garden in Chapman Close is cottage style, with mature shrubs and small trees a backdrop to traditional colourful plants such as verbena, aster, hebe, lavender, camellias and choisya.

A rose arch and 29 different types of roses bring more colour, as do a number of climbers. A host of beautiful lilies, spring bulbs and the use of pots set into the garden keep the blooms arriving throughout the seasons.

Margaret added: “The weather has not bothered me at all this year. I also never have weeds growing because I have very little soil.”

Along with husband Bill who helps out and keeps the grass in shape, the retired couple still have time to enjoy a quiet seating area near the river.

See our slideshow of pictures by June Essex.