Kylie from Llanelli announced as winner in national competition

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced the winners of its first-ever ‘Not Your Average Gardener’ awards.

Judged by gardener, journalist and Dobbies’ podcast host Louise Midgley, and Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, the duo has found a gardening star in Llanelli who will receive a £250 Giftcard to spend on gardening plants and tools in the Swansea store as well as a consultation with one of the judges.

With the aim to find the best and most dedicated gardeners from Wales and beyond, the awards showcase those with creativity, commitment and passion for gardening.

Kylie Walker (45) who lives in Llanelli has scooped Dobbies Best New Gardener 2021 Award, as she demonstrated excellence and commitment as an amateur gardener, going to great lengths to develop her skills.

Commenting on her garden in her first home, which she designed, landscaped and planted herself,

Kylie, said: “I am thrilled to have been selected as this year’s winner of Dobbies Best New Gardener Award. I’d never really given gardening a thought until I had my first home and a space to create something of my own to enjoy. I wanted to create a space that was an extension of my home, an oasis of life and colour, and I had no idea it would bring me so much enjoyment.

“With no previous gardening experience and a minimal budget, I’m delighted with how the project turned out. I’m really looking forward to a trip to the Dobbies Swansea store to use my Giftcard to get some new plants for this space.”

Judge Louise Midgley said: “Kylie’s beautiful garden just blew us away. With no previous experience she’s taken on the whole task and the result is simply breath-taking.

“I love the contrast of the white stones against the black edging logs, which gives the garden the definition it needs, providing great foil for the bright colour palette of plants. It’s clear that Kylie has thought about everything here, and she truly deserves the win.”

Marcus Eyles, Horticulture Director at Dobbies, said: “We’re delighted to see so many passionate gardeners get involved and enter our first-ever ‘Not Your Average Gardener’ awards. With so many entries it is safe to say that judging was no easy task. It has been heart-warming to see families and friends nominate one another, showing a true sense of community spirit.

“It is my pleasure to congratulate Kylie from Llanelli in taking home the Best New Gardener 2021 Award. Her hard work and passion for gardening certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed and I hope she enjoys spending her prize at the Swansea store, to help her green space flourish even more.

“A huge thank you to everyone who entered and made our ‘Not Your Average Gardener’ awards so special.”