THEY offer a great deal of pride to their owners but are often hidden from the public.

In Bicester, the best back garden competition aims to recognise residents’ impressive creations.

Run and judged by Bicester town councillor Les Sibley, the competition offers a trophy to the winner along with a £25 garden voucher, a £15 voucher for second prize and a £10 voucher for third.

Mr Sibley said: “They are what I call hidden gems as you do not often get to see people’s back gardens.

“It is a great way to highlight and get a glimpse of these impressive gardens which are quite inspirational.

“It plays an important part in community affairs and is important for the wildlife such as bees and butterflies.

“I am always impressed by the inventiveness, imagination, hard work and skill shown by our green fingered enthusiasts. Wellies on, armed with umbrella and camera I am off to do some judging.”

Entries are still being accepted and judging will start this weekend.

SAXON COURT

Saxon Court is made up of 54 flats for retirement and sheltered housing and Paula Lambert, right, is among those who look after the patio and garden area which has been entered.

Mrs Lambert, who tends the plants with her friend Janet Ray, said: “Saxon Court is a residential home for retirees and we are all elderly, so we have to make the patio attractive for those who want to sit outside.”

Development manager at Saxon Court, Marion Harris, said: “Residents who move in often like to carry on with gardening. I might go and get the soil and compost but apart from that they choose their own plants and layout for themselves to enjoy.

“There are quite a few residents who never leave Saxon Court because of their mobility so it is important they can go out and enjoy a bit of colour. It makes a big difference.”

GERALD AND VELMA SCARROTT

Gerald and Velma Scarrott, who live in Bucknell Road, have entered their garden.

Mrs Scarrott said: “He mows the grass and that is all – I am the one who does the gardening. I love my garden. I have two bad arms and I still do it. It is just lovely because you can see the work you have done.”

Mrs Scarrott suffered a fall three years ago and dislocated her shoulder, so she cannot lift her left arm. Then earlier this year the couple were involved in a car crash with a bus and Mrs Scarrott shattered her other arm – leaving the 79-year-old with decreased movement in both.

Mr Scarrott, 82, said his wife of nearly 60 years – who he says spends all day in the garden – was “a great girl, who still makes a good stew”.

She added: “People know me for my garden. We have all kinds of fuchsias, begonias and geraniums and we grow carrots, onions, herbs and all sorts. Last year Mr Sibley said he was flabbergasted when he walked in. Everywhere you look there is something different.”

MARJORIE DEAN

Oxford Mail:

Marjorie Dean, 80, of Ruck Keene Close, Bicester, said: “I’m a keen gardener – I have to be because my husband Ron passed away suddenly about 10 years ago so I took on the gardening. It is my outlet, really. This year I have had two operations since Christmas so I had someone help out for a little bit, but I am back doing it myself now and I love my garden. I do not think you will ever find an unhappy gardener.”

Speaking of her love for the garden roses, clementine and apple trees, she said: “I go out there in the mornings, sometimes in my dressing gown, and have a look round to see what is sprouting.

“The garden backs on to a bit of a nature reserve so I get lots of lovely birds and I have a hedgehog that visits as well.

“I put out a dish of cat food at 9.30 each night for him.”

SHARON CARTER

Sharon Carter, of Derwent Road, has also entered the competition. Her garden is bursting with colour, from the decorated window boxes to the border plants around the patio.