Midlothian’s best tenant gardens of 2026 revealed

A garden so bright and bold it makes passers-by stop to stare in admiration has been named Midlothian’s finest in the council’s annual tenant garden competition.

First prize this year went to Dalkeith resident Jeanette Ross for her compact, colourful front garden in - praised by judges for cheering up the whole street and making everyone smile.

Stunning

Making the most of a modest footprint, Jeanette has decked out the space with a stunning array of flowers set in an abundance of pots, planters, beds and borders.

 “I feels great,” she said. “I've been retired now for two years, and it’s been my ambition to get this. It's quite nice to sit here and look at the flowers and the bees. I just love it!”

Gardening bug

Jeanette’s idea on moving to the Kipppielaw property seven years ago was simply to brighten things with a few flower pots. Instead, she found herself bitten by the gardening bug, and the space soon took on a life of its own.

Year round

Keeping things looking blooming marvellous has become a year-round obsession for Jeanette.

“The first frost last year killed the begonias in one night, so the winter pansies are all starting to go in. I’ve got bulbs ready, and I was just reading the instructions before you came,” she explained.

Night vision

Still strikingly vibrant in autumn, the space continues to make its mark on the neighbourhood long into the evening with the addition of outdoor lights to the garden. 

“Even at night, it's absolutely beautiful - everybody stops to look,” said Jeanette.

Eye-catching

Cabinet member for Housing Services & Community Empowerment Cllr Stuart Mackenzie was part of the judging panel.

“What caught our eye was that Jeanette’s garden gave pleasure to everyone who passed it,” he said. “She really shares the beauty of gardening with her neighbours and her hard work has really paid off.”

Surprise second

Runner up was Danderhall resident Marvra Hamilton, whose second place finish was a surprise, since she hadn’t even entered in the first place and had no idea she was even in the running until the intervention of a neighbour.

Marvra takes up the story: “My neighbour said, “I think the rest of the street think there's something wrong with me, but I've been taking photographs, and I like a nice garden, so I thought I would enter you.”

“I can’t believe I’ve won second place," she added, laughing. "It was a complete shock. Fame at last!”

Suburban haven

Even after more than four decades in the property, Marvra still describes her sheltered suburban garden as a work in progress.

Once largely given over to growing vegetables, it’s evolved into a serene ‘outdoor living room’ prioritising ease of maintenance and plenty of seating.

Firm favourite

Cllr Mackenzie said: “Marvra came a very credible second this year. Her cosy garden was a firm favourite with the judges - we could have sat there all day! Again, the hard work that has gone in is evident and she has created a great space for her and her family.”

Accolades

This year’s prizes were a voucher for £25 for first place, and £15 for second place, both courtesy of Pentland Plants.

Back next year

Look out for the return of the Tenant Garden competition in the spring. Will your garden have what it takes to join Midlothian’s pantheon of gardening greatness alongside Jeanette and Marvra?

We look forward to finding out!

Pictured

(Top) Cllr Stuart McKenzie awards Jeanette Ross first prize in her bright and bold front garden.
(Middle) Marvra Hamliton receives a surprising second place.