In pictures: Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Awards 2023

Some 20 individuals, business and community groups were recognised in the awards this year.

‘Best Kept Front Garden’ winners were Marvin Miles and Rob Harrison from Islandmagee, while the ‘Best Kept Front Container Garden’ winner was Philomena Corey from Carrickfergus.

The ‘Best Kept Allotment Garden’ winner was Alan Rice from Larne Town Park Allotments, and the ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ winner was Dawn Aston from Larne.

Charles Shiels Community in Carrickfergus won the ‘Best Community Planting Scheme’ award and the Galgorm Care Home won the ‘Best Commercial Premises award’.

‘Best School Gardening Project’ this year was awarded to Linn Primary School in Larne.

In addition, young gardeners from Larne and Ballymena grew the tallest sunflowers in the borough. Fraser Kirkpatrick from Larne won the ‘Blooming Creative’ award and Madeline Weir from Broughshane was crowned ‘Volunteer of the Year’.

Katie Branagh from Carrickfergus was recognised for her ‘Outstanding Contribution to In Bloom’.

Mayor, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “Our ‘In Bloom Community Awards’ is an important way for us to celebrate local people - the network of volunteers and local businesses - who actively support our ‘In Bloom’ campaign and who dedicate so much time to planting floral displays, improving areas for biodiversity, keeping towns and villages clean and tidy and ‘greening the grey’ by brightening up forgotten corners.

“This year has continued to emphasise the vital role that gardens and outdoor spaces play in the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our residents.

“I am delighted the Mid and East Antrim ‘In Bloom Community Competition’ continues to be so well supported by our citizens. We had entries from across the borough and the time and dedication of entrants is a credit to all involved.

"Everyone who took part should be very proud of their achievements and I am delighted to see young people and schools taking part. Thank you all for your efforts. Please keep up the good work, as we work together to create a better future for everyone.”