In Bloom Competition

In Bloom Finalists - Schools and Allotment sites

In Bloom Finalists - by residents, businesses, community groups and volunteers across the Borough

In Bloom Categories

• Best Front Garden

  Entry Criteria: 

  • This category is open to private front gardens of any size or style
  • The garden should primarily be located at the front of the property, visible from the street or public areas

  Judges will look for: 

  • Attractive and cohesive design 
  • Healthy, well-maintained plants 
  • Creative use of colour and planting combinations 
  • Personal character and style 
  • Positive impact on the street or wider community 

  Enter Now!

• Best Rear Garden 

  Entry Criteria:  

  • This category is open to private rear garden of any size or style
  • The garden must primarily be located to the rear of the property and used as a personal outdoor space

  Judges will look for: 

  • Overall design quality and use of space 
  • High standard of maintenance and plant health 
  • Creativity and personal flair 
  • Welcoming atmosphere and practical usability 
  • Features that support and encourage wildlife 

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• Best Commercial Premises ​ 

  Entry Criteria: 

  • This category is open to commercial premises such as pubs, restaurants, shops, and other business properties
  • Entrants should demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the external appearance of their premises through thoughtful planting and displays

  Judges will look for: 

  • Attractive and cohesive design 
  • Thoughtful use and arrangement of containers and planting 
  • Colour coordination and visual appeal 
  • Healthy, well  maintained plants 
  • Positive impact on the local area and complementarity with the building/business style 

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• Best School Gardening Project (Nursery & Primary)

  Entry Criteria: 

  • The category is open to all nursery and primary schools

  Judges will look for: 

  • Creativity of design and overall visual appeal 
  • Clear evidence of pupil participation 
  • Effective use of available space and resources 
  • Environmental responsibility and sustainable practices 
  • Educational benefits and positive outcomes for pupils 

  Enter now!

• Best School Gardening Project (Secondary)

  Entry Criteria: 

  • The category is open to all secondary/grammar schools

  Judges will look for: 

  • Creativity of design and overall visual appeal 
  • Clear evidence of pupil participation 
  • Effective use of available space and resources 
  • Environmental responsibility and sustainable practices 
  • Educational benefits and positive outcomes for pupils

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• Young Gardener of the Year

  Entry Criteria:  

  Age Requirement 

  • Entrants must be under 18 years of age on the closing date of the competition

  Eligibility of Gardening Setting 

  • Gardening activity may take place in any suitable setting, including a home garden, school grounds, community garden, youth club, or similar environment

  Nature of the Work 

  • The garden or project submitted must demonstrate the entrant’s own effort, creativity, and ongoing involvement
  • Support or guidance from teachers, family members, or community leaders is permitted, but the entrant should be the primary contributor

  Judges will look for: 

  • Creativity and imagination in design and planting 
  • Evidence of learning and developing gardening skills 
  • Positive contribution to the surrounding environment or community 
  • Good plant care and general garden maintenance 
  • Sustainability and environmental awareness where applicable 

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• Best Allotment Plot

  Entry Criteria:  

  • This category is open to individual allotment holders with a single plot, regardless of allotment size or location
  • Please note – shared/community plots and allotment sites should be entered under the Community Garden Category 

  Judges will look for: 

  • Overall health and quality of plants 
  • Cleanliness, orderliness, and good plot management 
  • Effective and imaginative use of space 
  • Evidence of consistent and dedicated upkeep 
  • Sustainable gardening practices 

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• Gardening for Wildlife Award 

  Entry Criteria:  

  • This category is open to any private garden or green space designed and managed with wildlife in mind

  Judges will look for: 

  • Effective creation and maintenance of wildlife habitats 
  • Diversity and health of planting with strong ecological value 
  • Sustainable gardening techniques 
  • Clear evidence of wildlife presence and engagement 
  • Creativity and thoughtful design to maximise biodiversity 

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• Best Community Garden  

  Entry Criteria: 

  • This category is open to community gardens or allotment sites that are accessible to the general public
  • Gardens should be volunteer-led and demonstrate a commitment to collective care and involvement

  Judges will look for: 

  • Attractive and cohesive design 
  • Healthy, well-maintained plants 
  • Evidence of strong community involvement 
  • Positive impact on the local area 
  • How the garden supports wellbeing, education, biodiversity, food growing, or community pride

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• Best Communal Garden

  Entry Criteria:  

  • Entries must be communal garden spaces shared by multiple residents
  • Suitable examples include gardens within folds, nursing or care homes, sheltered housing schemes, apartment blocks, or other shared residential settings
  • The garden should be maintained collectively by residents, staff, volunteers, or a combination of these

  Judges will look for: 

  • Quality and variety of planting 
  • Effective use of space 
  • Evidence of community participation 
  • Tidiness, maintenance, and overall visual impact 
  • Thoughtful design features, including accessibility and sustainability

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• Volunteer(s) of the Year (individual or group)

  Entry Criteria: 

  • This category is about people rather than places. Clearly outline the individual’s or group’s contribution, commitment and impact.

  Judges will look for: 

  • Examples of work, including how they support others, improve spaces or lead initiatives.
  • Judges will value dedication, teamwork and long-term positive impact on the community or environment.

  Enter Now!