Watch 'In Bloom' Muir resident's prize-winning garden grow
A GARDEN-LOVING Muir resident has seen his gorgeous green space scoop two top prizes in a coveted ‘In Bloom’ competition.
Frank Ryan, 57, flowered in this year’s Blackpool in Bloom by being awarded first prize in the Conservation Garden category, and second in the Illuminated Garden section, mirroring his achievements the last time he entered the competition in 2015. 
Mr Ryan, who has lived in Otterburn Close since 2012, got the gardening bug from his father on the family allotment, but had been unable to put his passion to use while living in the town’s former Queen’s Park flats.
However, since finding a new home with Muir after the flats were demolished, he has made the most of his garden, using recycled items to create his very own colourful little oasis, which he admits to being a labour of love.
“I’m not a gardener but I do enjoy gardening and I like the outdoors,” said Mr Ryan, a butcher by trade.
“My dad had allotments and I got the gardening bug from helping him.
“When I moved here after the flats were demolished I got the chance to make the most of my new garden.
“At first there was nothing else here, just grass and weeds – but to me it was a blank canvas.
“Everything in it has been recycled. If I see it being thrown out then I try to use it, and people offer me things to use in it too.
“I call it an eclectic recycled garden.”
Mr Ryan, who lives at his Otterburn Close property with wife of nine years, Kayleigh, has several different themes running through his garden, including African and Asian sections, a Gnome section, a woman’s section, and an aviary.
“I was really pleased to be recognised by Blackpool in Bloom for my garden,” Mr Ryan said.
“It can be time consuming and it is hard work getting it right for the judges.
“But the recognition makes it worthwhile, although it is just as nice when people stop and comment on how wonderful the garden looks.
“It is a labour of love and it is relaxing to be out here,” he added.
