A labour of love over the last 15 years has seen a Lake man turn his personal plot into an Isle of Wight award-winning garden.

Overall winner at the 2022 Wight in Bloom Awards at Northwood House on Friday was Richard Ridley, who took home the Peggy Jarman Trophy.

Former military man Richard has spent a decade and a half transforming his garden into one which is full of good things to eat.

From pear, plum and cherry trees, to vines, runner beans, cabbages and tomatoes...plus bee hives for honey, Richard has mouthwatering treats at every turn.

As well as the Jarman Trophy, he not surprisingly picked up the trophy for Best Edible Garden. 

Richard told the County Press: "I love my garden and am out there every day.

"As well as the edible produce I also love my flowers with sweet peas, chrysanthemums and dahlias also featuring."

The judges said of his Green Lane garden: "This garden not only produced an incredible selection of fruit, herbs and vegetables but had numerous active beehives creating honey for the owner to enjoy.

"An edible garden but with an array of colour through flowers and plants. The perfect blend of unusual plants combined with herbaceous perennials, annuals and herbs, fruit and veg.

"A garden that is immaculate and clearly a labour of love and a most worthy winner.”

TV star gardener and Deputy Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight Alan Titchmarsh presented the awards alongside Visit Isle of Wight chairman Ian Griffiths.

Alan told guests gathered for the ceremony at Northwood House that gardening was good for the soul and people's mental health and it was tremendous to see younger gardeners among those nominated for awards.

"It is our duty to pass on the knowledge and enthusiasm to those who come after us...don't forget this is the Garden Isle," he said.

The Best Young People's Gardening Initiative was won by Godshill Primary School. 

The judges said: "The Eco School Club is teaching sustainability from a young age. Great recycling, poly tunnel cultivation, pond and chickens too!

"Keep up the great work and learning.”

The volunteers at Northwood House were singled out for praise for the wonderful afternoon tea. 

Volunteer co-ordinator Sue Collinge said they were always looking for more volunteers for the house.

The other Wight in Bloom winners were: 

Best Small Front Garden: Maria Wilson, Clarendon Road, Shanklin.

Best Large Front Garden: Angela Allen, Downsview Close, Brading.

Best Small Tourist Attraction Garden: Mottistone Gardens.

Best Large Tourist Attration Garden: Robin Hill.

Best Small Commercial Garden: One Holyrood, Newport.

Best Large Commercial Garden: Haven Hall, Shanklin.

Pride of Place Floral Project: Havenstreet Community Centre.

Best Young People Initiative: Godshill Primary School.

Best Edible Garden: Richard Ridley, Green Lane, Lake.

Best Container Garden: Havenstreet Community Centre.

Best Care Giving Complex Garden: Ropewalk, Cowes.

Patrons Award: Red Barn, Rookley (Sartah and Neil Starsmore).

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