Competition returns on the hunt for most glorious city gardens

The back garden of Linda Major and Chris Coombs, who won a gold award in the 2014 Portsmouth in Bloom competition

As the sunshine has at last made an appearance, people are bring urged to enter Portsmouth in Bloom.

This year’s competition is open to all Portsmouth residents, businesses and schools in the PO1 to PO6 postcode area.

Christine Celli, volunteer project co-ordinator, said: ‘It is very important for the city, for all sorts of reasons, and even just to add some colour.’

She said that the Sustainable Garden category always brought in a ‘great group of wonderful and interesting entries’.

There are 12 categories, including two for schools.

The categories are; Front Garden, Balcony/Courtyard Garden, Hanging Basket / Wall Container, Sustainable garden, Sheltered Housing/ Care Homes, Community garden, Public Premises, Business premises, Allotment, Grow to Eat, Eat my School, and School decorated with flowers.

The new Grow to Eat category will suit anyone who likes to grow their own fruit and veg in small beds or containers.

People have until Monday, June 20 to enter. For schools, the deadline is Monday, June 13, as judging takes place before schools close for the summer holidays.

Portsmouth City Council is running Portsmouth in Bloom alongside a group of community volunteers.

Mrs Celli said: ‘The committee is really pleased to have continued sponsorship from Colas and Portsmouth Water – their support is crucial in sustaining Portsmouth in Bloom year to year, as is the involvement of all the other local sponsors and supporters.’

For more information go to portsmouthinbloom.org.uk.

To request an entry form e-mail [email protected] or call (023) 9283 4180.

Portsmouth Water will also be giving 10 prizes of £50 for water-saving techniques.