“GARDENING is my life.” That was how Sylvia Obey described her passion for all things floral after winning the Big House Garden prize in this year’s Bloomin’ Marvellous Garden Competition.

Sylvia was among dozens of council tenants who attended the awards ceremony for the competition yesterday in the Council Chamber at Swindon Borough Council’s Civic Offices.

The competition, run by the council’s housing department, once again attracted a number of strong entries, none more so than Sylvia’s.

“I was in complete shock,” said the 55-year-old, of Pinehurst. “I won one of the categories last year, but this is the big one.

“Gardening is my life and it is something that keeps me going. I am in the garden all the time and it is very relaxing to sit and watch all the insects and birds.

“The garden is not just for me, it is for other people to enjoy as well and to show them what can be done given a little bit of time.”

Sylvia grows a wide range of produce including potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, tomatoes, cucumber and onions. All are grown from her own seeds including a whole host of flowers.

“We eat a lot of the produce, which is good because I’m diabetic but I also share the vegetables with my neighbours,” she said.

Also basking in the glory were the residents of the Peter Furkins Court sheltered housing scheme, in Westcott Place, which picked up the award for Best Hanging Basket/Tub or Box.

Amanda Last, sheltered housing officer for Peter Furkins Court, said: “We set up a gardening club, got the tenants involved and did some fundraising.

“We have also been lucky to receive some help from Darwin Turner, a supporter of our sheltered housing scheme, who donated some plants.

“The garden has been brilliant for the tenants and this award is the icing on the cake.”

The award for Best Patio/Small Space or Balcony Garden was won by Michael and Jean Greening, of Stratton.

All the winners from the competition were presented with gift vouchers by Swindon Mayor, Cllr Teresa Page, and everyone who entered the competition received a certificate.

A special slide show featuring photographs from all the competition entries and a picture display of all the winners was on show after the ceremony.

After presenting the awards, Coun Page said: “It is my absolute pleasure to be here and when I was signing the certificates at home during the week I was going through and admiring the photographs of all the beautiful gardens.

“Thank you for the wonderful displays and I hope it will inspire others.”

Coun Emma Faramarzi, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing and public safety, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone who took part.

“Our tenants and leaseholders have put in a lot of time and effort into creating some beautiful displays, which show just how much pride they take in their gardens.

“The standards are extremely high in our annual garden competition and this year was no exception.”