Joyce digs in to enjoy tearoom garden triumph
A GARDENING enthusiast from Ilfracombe has won the best shop and pub category in The Daily Mirror's Spirit of British Gardening competition.
Joyce Coats, 68, who runs the Curiosity Cottage Tea Rooms in the North Devon resort, decided to enter the national newspaper's competition on a whim.
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GREEN FINGERS: Joyce Coats tends her winning garden. Picture: Mike Southon. To order this photograph call 0844 4060 269 and quote Ref: BNMS20110922A-001_C
When she saw her name and garden among the winners of the 14 other categories earlier this month she was shocked.
The keen gardener said: "I love looking after the garden as I find it a great way to unwind and it is so rewarding."
Mrs Coats has run the tearooms for more than 10 years and has lovingly ensured that the garden where customers can sit and enjoy the outdoors, is well maintained.
She said she never thought she stood a chance of winning the competition, which is judged by celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin.
Mrs Coats will receive several prizes as a result, including a bird care hamper, a bamboo fruit cage and a jam-making kit.
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