Edwin Poots presents Lucy Cook, designer of the Best In Show Garden 2008 with her award at last weekend's Gardenshow Ireland at Hillsborough Castle. Lucy's design was called 'Spoilt' and it was built by Hardy Hill Garden Centre. Lucy also received a gold award.	Morris Maxwell, winner of the Best Planting Award at last weekend's Gardenshow Irelandreceives his prize from Councillor Allan Ewart. Mr. Maxwell also received a gold award.	John Cushnie with guest Judge Bunny Guinness in the Gold Award winning garden 'Oasis of Calm' at this year's Gardenshow Ireland.

Lisburn woman Joan Petticrew was thrilled to meet Chelsea Pensioner James McGuinness (right) and one of his friends when she visited Gardenshow Ireland. In 2000 Joan won a competition to win a spectators seat at the parade organised to mark the Queen Mother's 100th birthday. When she travelled to London she found she had been placed very close to a party of Chelsea Pensioners and enjoyed talking to them. Meeting these two gentlemen brought memories of that red letter day flooding back.

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ALMOST 30,000 people flocked to Hillsborough last weekend as the warm sunshine ensured the 2008 'Gardenshow Ireland' was a runaway success.

People from across the Emerald Isle were joined by visitors from Britain, Europe and beyond as they viewed the magnificent displays set up in the famous walled garden at Government House.

Two ladies from Canada even made the event the highlight of a holiday in Ireland.

The winner of 'Best in Show' in the Show Garden category went to Lucy Cooke's design entitled 'Spoilt' which displayed

some inspiring ideas on how to make best use of a small space.

A special 'Best Planting' Award went to 'Oasis of Calm' designed by Omagh based Morris Maxwell.

The Chairman of the Show Garden Judging Panel, Dermott O'Neill said the standard produced by the designers was 'along with the best on this island and beyond'.

Horticulturist and broadcaster John Cushnie, who was also one of the judges, said it was exciting to see just how much the event had developed since last year.

"I spoke to a group of visitors who had travelled up from Dublin and they were thrilled with the quality of plants and gardens," he continued.

"But what was interesting was their comment that Hillsborough's Garden Festival had so much more to offer.

"They had enjoyed listening to the Ulster Orchestra's Jazz Quintet while having their wine and strawberries and cream, and shopping in the magnificent new Country Craft tent."

Plans are already being drawn up for next year 's Garden Festival which will take place from June 5 to 7. For information telephone 9756 1993 or visit www.gardenshowireland.com

Ulster Star
13/06/2008