A Minehead man says winning our £1,000 Garden Makeover competition was ‘wonderful’ timing.

The County Gazette and its sister papers in Somerset teamed up with Hestercombe, near Taunton, to offer readers the chance to win a garden makeover, which included £500 worth of plants, just by answering a simple question.

The competition was won by Mike and Cherrie Chilcott, of Minehead and the runners-up, who each receive a £20 book voucher to spend in the shop at Hestercombe Gardens, were: Marion Troman, of Bridgwater; Jo Elworthy, of Hemyock; Tony Gregg, of Taunton; Samantha Smith, of Creech St Michael, and Robert Burgess, of Winsham.

Mike said: “We’re delighted. I’ve recently built a new retaining wall which has created a 50-feet long bed which needs some plants. We’re also looking at turning a hedge into some beds at the front of the house.

“Hestercombe are coming to give us some ideas so it’s just come at a wonderful time.”

A Hestercombe spokesman said: “Many thanks to everyone who entered and congratulations to all the winners.

“There is always so much happening in and around the gardens We enjoy great support from visitors from all over the world but our greatest support comes from our local visitors.”

Hestercombe is three miles from Taunton town centre and boasts more than 50 acres of historic gardens of varying styles and periods. Once neglected – they have been restored thanks to the determination of Hestercombe chief executive Philip White.

Other facilities at Hestercombe include the shop and plant centre, the Stables restaurant and coffee shop, an education department, which delivers programmes for schools, special interest groups and team building, and an events team catering for weddings, parties and conferences.

Click on the Related Link below or call 01823-413923 for more details.