Organisers of the Nottingham in Bloom Garden Competition hope for a bumper crop of entries this year to boost the City’s bid to win Britain in Bloom’s top-notch ‘Champion of Champions’ competition.

More than 50 entries have already been received, and it’s hoped that many more businesses, community groups and individual residents will send in their entry forms before the closing date of 20th June.

There are more than £2,000 worth of prizes to be won in 12 categories all sponsored by local businesses, as well as a prize for the best first-time entrant and the best overall. Categories cater for everyone including best container display, best student accommodation, best pub and best communal garden.

The competition is judged on the Royal Horticultural Society’s system of Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver and Bronze Medal standards, and every entrant receives a certificate recognising their achievement.

The Chair of the Nottingham in Bloom Working Group, Councillor Malcolm Wood, says: "There are some very enthusiastic gardeners in the City and I’d encourage them to have a go.

"Beautiful gardens and floral displays can really brighten up a street or neighbourhood and inspire others. Local businesses have been keen to sponsor the competition prizes and we’d love to attract a record level of entries this year to help our chances in the national competition."

Entries can be sent in online at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/bloom Entry forms are available from local libraries and community centres or by phoning Nottingham in Bloom on 0115 915 2745.

The full list of categories is:

Best Front Garden (sponsored by CP Walker)
Best Container Display (sponsored by B&Q)
Blooming Beautiful Neighbourhood (sponsored by the Nottingham Evening Post)
Space for Nature (sponsored by Fast Graphics)
Best Community Project (sponsored by Gala Coral Group)
Best Communal Garden (sponsored by ZF Great Britain)
Best Business (sponsored by Browne Jacobson)
Best Pub (sponsored by Gala Coral Group)
Best Hotel/Restaurant (sponsored by Experience Nottinghamshire)Greenfingers Award for Young Gardener (sponsored by Gala Coral Group)
Best School Grounds (sponsored by Capital One)
Best Student Accommodation (sponsored by East Midlands Property Owners Ltd)