The West Lothian Gardens Competition aims to recognise those who make the extra effort to improve our environment. It has been running for over 35 years, attracting gardeners of all ages and abilities.

Lorraine Lambie and her partner Colin, who live at Deans in Livingston, have won a few awards over the years, including the West Lothian Gardeners of the Year title, gardening to support biodiversity by growing native trees, wildflowers, and encouraging wildlife.

“When I moved in with my two daughters in 1992, the L-shaped garden which wraps around the house, was just a very big grassy hill and I grew vegetables, fruit, and flowers in grow bags. 

“Colin and I met in 1996 and we soon started to talk about landscaping the 235 metre square garden, deciding on terracing as the best option. We knew that we would eventually erect a conservatory so this was factored into the design. I did a sketch and Colin started digging. The garden areas have changed many times but I think we have got it right this time.

The Lower Garden

“Our back garden is terraced and planted with wildlife in mind. The lower section has a wildflower patch, and a feeding station and log pile for hedgehogs. The stumpery and fernery encourage invertebrates to the area which feeds the hedgehogs that visit the garden.

“There is a small pond with frogs and tadpoles and the water is kept clear using plants. It is hard to choose my favourite part of the garden but if pushed I would say the nature pond as it enables the life-cycle of the frogs, offers somewhere for the birds, hedgehogs and insects to have a drink, it has flowering plants that feed the pollinators.

The Upper Garden

“A large sleeper and slate staircase takes you to the upper section where we lifted the artificial grass and replaced it with a daisy lawn. 

“It has a small slate patio, slate-filled gabions, another feeding station, a wildflower bed, a bug hotel with a living roof, a hibernation nest box for hedgehogs, a small pebble beach pond for hedgehogs and birds to bathe and drink, and raised vegetable beds.

“We grow various crops like peas in this area as well as sweet peppers grown from seeds from a supermarket-bought pepper last year. This is our second crop as we managed to overwinter it.

“This area also houses a small woodland area which has rowan trees, foxgloves, primroses, snowdrops, ferns, and hellebores growing. 

“We try to have flowers that open throughout the year for pollinators, as well as a log wall which has different sized holes drilled into it for solitary bees to lay eggs or hibernate, and we don’t use chemicals or insecticides.

The Middle Terrace

“The middle terrace has block planting of Pieris japonica, white heather, hebe and Houttuynia cordata, with its dense flower spikes in late spring.

“We love to recycle in the garden as much as possible. I acquired some Belfast sinks many years ago which were going to be smashed up at one of my workplaces and planted them up. The post beside them which adds height and interest to the area is around 120 years old and was given to us by a friend who stays in Linlithgow.

“I have used my garden for over 13 years to educate young children as I was a childminder until I retired at the age of 67. The children enjoyed helping to sow seeds, water, grow, harvest, and eat carrots, peas, tomatoes, cucumber, strawberries, and potatoes.

“Our grand-daughter Freya was one of them, she is now 10 years old and still can’t wait until the fruit and vegetables are ready. She says that looking for the potatoes in the soil is like looking for treasure. Outdoor play encourages children to respect nature and the environment, it reduces stress and increases self-confidence.”

Top Tip

“If you are a first- time gardener or looking for plants to add to your garden, go for a walk to see what is growing in your neighbours’ gardens, look online for some ideas, or visit gardens that open for charity. Don’t rush, do a little, and sit back to make sure you are happy.”