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The nation's best 'Value for Money' crop has been named as the runner bean, according to Gardeners' World magazine in this year's Gardeners' World 2010 Awards. With thousands of new gardeners starting to grow their own and looking for tasty and reliable crops, the awards answer some of gardeners’ biggest questions, from the best rose for scent to the best plant to benefit bees to most effective solution for aphids.

While runner beans were ahead of their competitor crops with 24% of votes in the Best value for money category, courgettes were a close second, while the appropriately named Gardener's Delight was named Tastiest Tomato with 40% of the votes cast due to its 'reliability, large crops and sweet, delicious fruits.' Meanwhile rhubarb was named Most trouble-free crop due to its robustness and the fact it attracts few pests.

The awards, now in their second year, attracted more than 4,000 votes from readers of bbcgardenersworld.com.

Other findings included:

• There was no split personality in the vote for Top rose for spectacular scent with the pink Gertrude Jekyll getting 23% of all votes cast, more than double its nearest rival.
• Meanwhile the viola and pansy was named Best plant for bedding with 20% of all votes cast, fending off the pelargonium (17%) and petunia (12%).
• The Acer griseum was named Favourite small tree with 20% of all votes, followed by the Lilac with 13%.
• Gardeners generally favoured organic solutions to tackle blight disease by growing tomatoes in a greenhouse and using resistant varieties.
• Lavender was the clear winner of the Best plant for bees category.

According to Adam Pasco, editor of Gardeners' World magazine: "Our annual Awards provide a great insight into many aspects of gardening – from the best plants, flowers and crops to the ways we attract birds and wildlife, or control pests and diseases. With over 4,000 votes cast, it's fascinating hearing from so many gardeners from across the country, and learning from their experiences."

The full results are available in November's Gardeners' World , on sale now, priced at Β£3.60

NOTES TO EDITORS
About the Awards
The vote took place on bbcgardenersworld.com between April and June 2010 and attracted more than 4,000 votes.

About Gardeners' World Magazine
Gardeners' World magazine is the market-leading gardening title, providing readers with key practical advice and tips on gardening. It has a circulation of 260,133 (ABC figures Jan-Jun10).

Toby Hicks