THEY ensure that Peebles maintains its colour and pizazz throughout the year.

And the 40 gardens who were put forward for the latter stages of Peebles in Bloom were all winners, according to Peebles Community Council Vice Chair Crick Carleton.

Speaking at an awards ceremony in the Burgh Hall on Thursday evening, he said: “This is an awards night, not a competition. “It has been quite a difficult year, one way or another. The warmer weather arrived late and subsequently heavy rain is taking its toll.

“So in terms of bringing gardens to their best, it has been a bit more challenging in 2015. But everyone in this room has responded to the challenge, and you can all be proud of your efforts.” Awards were presented for Best All Year Round Garden, Best Courtyard Garden, Best Small, Medium and Large Gardens, Best Street (for four or more houses in a row), Best Business and Best Secret Garden (gardens not visible from the street). An Overall Achievement Award was also presented on the night. The trophy for Best Business this year was provided by Margot and Joanna Stewart, in memory of Alasdair Stewart, the popular chairman of the Peebles Community Council who passed away suddenly in June.

Ray Jones, who - along with his wife Irene - scooped the Overall Achievement award, said: “I’m just thrilled to win. I never expected it. You don’t maintain your garden to win awards, but it is nice to win them all the same.” He also shared a few tips for anyone keen to replicate his success. “Well first and foremost it has to be something you enjoy, you must be passionate about. It’s an all year round pursuit and will take up a lot of your time. People might only notice the garden in the summer, but the preparation starts long before that.

“There isn’t much you can do about bad weather, but if it is going to be a cold night I get the greenhouse lit. Sometimes the forecasters get it wrong and you get an early frost, and you have got to go out and give the the flowers a bit of water to take the frost off before the sun comes out.” Joyce Syme won the Secret Garden award and she echoed Ray’s sentiments when it came to dedication. “I am in my garden every day,” she said. “On average, about two to three hours. But on a good day, I will be in there for four to five hours.

“I enjoy it. I feel my garden is an oasis, and it gives me a chance to relax and unwind. You have a wonderful sense of achievement when you see flowers grow and flourish.” Laird of Traquiar Catherine Maxwell Stuart was there to present the awards on the night, and despite her connections to Innerleithen, she was full of praise for her neighbouring town. “I have always been struck by how beautiful Peebles looks in the summer -even though I am more of an Innerleithenite!” she said.

“I have to admit that when you drive into Peebles, whatever way you come, you are really hit by the colour. Not only the private gardens, but the businesses too. I know the council play their part as well, so it is a real joint effort. It really tells you a lot about the pride that people have in this town.”