Local schools have impressed the judges in the Clackmannanshire in Bloom competition which has been won by Muckhart Primary School.

The schools section of our competition was judged on Wednesday (17 June).

Provost Tina Murphy was accompanied by this year’s judge, Jacqueline McKenna from Stirling University’s grounds management team, and officers from Clackmannanshire Council.

The school finalists certainly all had the ‘wow factor’ making the judges decisions very difficult.

And judges’ comments included: St Bernadette’s Primary: Excelled in their focus on creating wildlife habitats and displays that link to the curriculum.

Banchory Nursery: Really impressed with what has been achieved, the children are clearly loving the diversity of this newly created out door space.

Sauchie Nursery: It was fantastic to see so many children excited to share their garden with us especially the hidey holes.

Coalsnaughton Nursery: Great visiting the wee garden especially as there was a party going on including parent helpers.

Muckhart Primary: Wow! A real live garden used by all the children and their helpers, imaginations given free reign, bugs everywhere.

The results were: 1, Muckhart Primary School; 2, Sauchie Nursery; 3, Banchory Nursery Class.

Certificates of achievement will also be awarded to Coalsnaughton Nursery Class and St Bernadette’s Primary School.

This is only the first stage of our Clackmannanshire in Bloom competition.

There is still time to enter other categories. The competition is open to everyone including council tenants, private home owners, local communities, businesses and allotment owners. The lucky winners will receive a range of prizes.

And it doesn’t matter how big or small your garden is. Even if you have no garden the organisers will happily judge your window box , floral tubs or project.

There are awards to reward effort and excellence in nine sections, as well as for the best floral and floral container garden in each of the five council wards.

Application forms are also available on ClacksWeb, by ‘phoning 01259 45000 or emailing landserv@clacks.gov.uk There will also be a full results table released once all the judging has been completed at the end of August.

The closing date for applications is 30 June.