Douglas gardeners have proved undaunted by this year’s wet summer.

At Douglas Borough Council’s Douglas in Bloom 2012 awards presentation some outstanding horticultural talent was revealed that brought praise from Douglas Mayor Councillor David Ashford and assistant head of parks Graham Newsome, a member of the judging panel.

Before presenting the prizes the Mayor, who confessed to not having ‘green fingers, congratulated the entrants on the quality of their ‘amazing’ horticultural talent and the efforts made to create stunning displays in large and small spaces. He also paid tribute to the Council’s parks section and the judges for their support and hard work.

Overall winners were Audrey and John Masser of Crovens Close who won the Most Imaginative Floral Display category. The couple also won the Private Houses with Gardens and Secret Garden categories.

Competition sponsors were Absolute Scaffolding, Eden Park, Hot Gossip Hair Salon, Isle of Man Farmers, JDW Engineering, Logistics Training Services Ltd, Sadler Agricultural Supplies Ltd, Scottish Widows, the Sefton Group, the Shoprite Group and Water Works Ltd.

Douglas in Bloom 2012 first place winners:

Hotels and guesthouses without gardens – the Edelweiss Hotel

Hotels and guesthouses with gardens – Stanley View Hotel

Private houses with gardens – Mr and Mrs J Masser, Crovens Close

Pub/restaurant/cafe – Haneffe’s Bar/Grill

Public/community garden – Ballakermeen High School

Best residential area – Ms Wilkinson, Montreux Court, Little Switzerland

Best Douglas Borough Council property – Mrs S Potts, Willaston Crescent

Conservation, wildlife and biodiversity – Mr I Cooke, Lord Street

Secret garden – Mr and Mrs J Masser, Crovens Close

Best Douglas Borough Council allotment – Mr J Bartley, plot 22

Most imaginative floral display – Mr and Mrs J Masser, Crovens Close

Photo caption - Douglas Mayor David Ashford and the Mayoress Sylvia Ashford with Douglas in Bloom 2012 winners. Picture Andrew Barton.