THE search is on for ‘secret gardens’ to enter into Peebles’ annual competition.

The Peebles in Bloom Awards are held each summer by the town’s community council.

They recognise residents and businesses who have created beautiful gardens and floral displays which spruce up the appearance of the town.

Community councillors will walk around Peebles in the next two weeks to nominate the best front gardens in the following garden categories: large, medium, small, courtyard, all-year-round, secret and best street.

However, the award for secret garden is given to a plot not easily seen from the road, and the event organisers are asking locals to get in touch to nominate their own or someone else’s garden.

Anne Snoddy, community council secretary told us: “Last year, the Secret Garden Award was shared by two gardens. They were very different but both beautiful. One was 7 Kittlegairy View where Mr and Mrs Scott had worked very hard to create an attractive garden on a new housing estate. 

“The other garden was at 1 Eshiels Steading and owned by Ms M Dempsey. It was a wonderful garden full of colour and variety. The names of both worthy winners were engraved on the W J Burnside trophy.

“Peebles in Bloom is  once again on the hunt for the best secret garden. If you have a secret garden, or know of someone who has, then please phone get in touch.” 

Businesses across the area can also put themselves in the running for an award, with a prize for the best floral displays outside their premises. 

Final judging of the gardens will take place at the beginning of August, with the presentation of awards set for Thursday, August 24, in the Burgh Hall.

Nominations can be made to Anne Snoddy by calling 01721 722882 or by emailing the co-ordinator of this year’s Peebles in Bloom project, Abby Elstob-Smith at abby@bellerustique.co.uk. 

The closing date for nominations is Sunday, July 30.