GETTING around her beautiful garden can be a slow and painful business for Jayne Payne.

The keen gardener, 55, from Burchester Avenue, Barton, Oxford, has ankle problems and is currently awaiting a knee replacement.

But she doesn’t let her disabilities slow her down, and will this year be entering the Oxford Mail backed Oxford in Bloom competition for the fourth time.

And she has picked up a clutch of awards for her efforts, including winning a cup in the gardening for the disabled category of last year’s competition.

She said said: “I’m famous for my hanging baskets.

“I have 48 baskets, which is not as many as last year, but they are looking really lovely.”

An early riser, Mrs Payne spends two hours most mornings working in the garden then another hour later in the day.

The only help she receives is when her brother, Robert Durham, visits from Southampton and gives her a hand with the watering.

Mrs Payne said: “I do love my garden. You would be amazed at the people who stop to look – from visitors asking permission to take pictures inside the garden, to the local PCSOs who have come round to have a look.

“Because I am not able to get around so much, it is really nice to have something to focus on, especially something where you can see an end result.

“I think I would go mad if I didn’t have something like this.”

She said she did not talk to her plants in the style of Prince Charles, but admitted to having the occasional chat with some of her garden gnomes.

Mrs Payne was full of praise for the Oxford in Bloom competition.

She said: “I didn’t think we would have one this year because of all the cuts. I didn’t think it would survive but I’m really glad it has.

“You meet different people through it and it brings a lot of people together. It’s really good for the city.”

There are only a few more days for people to enter the contest, with the deadline for all entries on Sunday, July 10.

School and community group entries closed on Saturday.

Oxford Mail deputy editor Sara Taylor said: “From driving and walking around the city, it’s clear that many people have been hard at work in their gardens.

“Hearing about people like Mrs Payne, who has worked hard to make her garden beautiful for all to behold despite her disabilities, it is nothing short of inspirational.

“We would urge anyone who spends time and effort making their garden a feast for the eyes to see it recognised and rewarded in Oxford in Bloom.”