Rotorua Bupa retirees win third Best Villa Garden title

Anne and Norm Bach. Photo/Supplied

Gold-winning garden soil is something Anne and Norm Bach seem to have in abundance, winning their third title in Bupa's retirement village annual gardening competition.

Bupa retirees had the chance to submit their gardens in five categories, with Bupa Auckland management judging the nationwide competition and awarding prizes of up to $5000.

Norm said he and Anne were "absolutely thrilled" to have won Best Villa Garden for a third time.

"We didn't expect to win so it was a surprise."

So what was their secret to winning? Hard work, he said.

"Garden regularly, in the summer. Just keep at it.

"In the summer you need to put in a few good hours each day. Last summer was a trial though, as there was a lot of rain."

The Bach's garden has remained the same since their first wins in 2014 and 2016, with the couple changing things up with different plants each summer.

Norm said the kinds of plants more likely to bring success were ones like the adaptable, water-repelling impatiens and the ever-colourful pansy.

When asked if they would continue their winning streak by entering next year's competition, Norm said they would see.

"If it looks good, we'll photograph it and put it in the running."

The Gardens Retirement Village manager Jennie Arvidson said the village had seen regular success in the competition, winning at least six times since it started in 2013.

Fellow resident Kay Fordham placed first in the single unit apartment, or Best Donut category this year, while couple Sue and Lance Wingate took bronze in the same category.

Arvidson said the village was lucky to have keen gardeners among its ranks.

"This contest with its prizes has really made them want to get involved and do more. Each year it has grown with more people taking an interest," she said.

The Bachs were presented with a wooden plaque made by the competition's sponsor, Archercare, and a $300 gardening voucher.