Gardening talents in the Borough of Douglas have been recognised in the 2015 Douglas in Bloom competition after the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Sara Hackman presented winners with their prizes at a reception at Noble's Park Pavilion.

Competitors heard regeneration and community committee chairman Councillor John Skinner praise their hard work and imagination, particularly in the 'Secret Gardens' category and he congratulated everyone, including the council's parks section, for helping to make the capital ‘a greener, more colourful’ town.

Category winners were:

- Hotels and guesthouses without gardens: St Heliers;
- Hotel and guesthouses with gardens: Trevelyan Hotel;
- Private houses with gardens: Paul Davies, Westminster Drive;
- Business premises: Strand Shopping Centre;
- Public/Community garden: Ballacottier Primary School;
- Best Douglas Council property: James Baines, Fenella Avenue;
- Conservation, wildlife and biodoversity: Nigel Cooke, Murray House, Lord Street;
- Secret Garden: Eric Quine, Harcroft Avenue;
- Most Improved allotment: John Farrant;
- Most productive allotment: Philip Carter;
- Most imaginative display: Ballacottier Primary School.

Prizes were donated by Absolute Scaffolding, JD Faulkner Ltd, Sadler Agricultural Supplies, Shoprite and Strand Facilities. 

Photo - The Mayor of Douglas Councillor Sara Hackman and the Mayoress, Councillor Carol Malarkey with Douglas in Bloom 2015 winners and regeneration and community committee chairman Councillor John Skinner, extreme left, back row. Picture Andrew Barton.