Much-missed Portsmouth in Bloom returns to city as part of 2026 centenary celebrations
It’s back - and it’s going to mean a bright and blooming summer for Portsmouth.
After laying dormant for a number of years the much-loved Portsmouth in Bloom is making a return this year in floral celebration of the city’s centenary.
It is being run by Portsmouth City Council in partnership with The News and Portsmouth Water and under the expert guidance of Southsea’s award-winning gardening writer, author and television presenter Martyn Cox.
Expressions of interest are now being welcomed in order for people to ensure their fingers are nice and green come the summer, when entry packs will be sent out and judging takes place.
Winners will be crowned at a special awards ceremony in September and will receive a commemorative Portsmouth Gold Rose - being grown especially this year for the centenary - a trophy and a Waterfront Garden Centre voucher.
“I’m delighted to be involved with the return of Portsmouth in Bloom and I can’t wait to the see the city blooming brilliantly this summer,’ said Martyn, a former features editor at BBC Gardeners' World who has written extensively for publications like The Mail on Sunday and authored eleven books, including The Veg Grower's Almanac
This year’s revived Portsmouth in Bloom will be very much focused on sustainable gardens and spaces that have adapted to our changing environment, through thoughtful planting, reducing waste, supporting healthy soil and biodiversity, avoiding harmful chemicals and reducing the use of valuable water resources.
The competition will have the following categories:
- Small garden/courtyard
- Larger garden
- Balcony or windowbox or container
- Workplace
- Nursery, school or college
- Communal or community garden (including residential homes)
- Borrowed spaces (such as street planters)
- Growing spaces (including allotments)
- Hotel, restaurant, bar or café
- Wildlife garden
A special award may also be presented for any entry which truly wows the judging panel, such as an exceptional space for celebrating.
Bob Taylor, CEO of Portsmouth Water, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved in Portsmouth in Bloom’s renewed focus on sustainable gardens and spaces that adapt to our changing environment, particularly efforts to reduce the use of valuable water resources. As Portsmouth celebrates its centenary, it’s a timely reminder that, with a changing climate and a growing population, we all need to be more mindful of how much water we use. Celebrating sustainable gardening and showing that beautiful spaces can still be created with a water‑wise approach is something we fully support at Portsmouth Water. We look forward to seeing these spaces take shape across the city and wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”
The News editor in chief Mark Waldron added: ‘Having been involved for many years in The News’ own In Bloom competitions - under the guidance of our own much-loved and dearly-missed expert Brian Kidd - I am delighted to support this wonderful event. It’s a brilliant addition to the Portsmouth100 calendar and will certainly add splashes of colour across the city in what is a really special year.’
Portsmouth in Bloom 2026: Register your interest now
Although judging packs for each category will not be sent out until later this year, people are being encouraged to register their interest in taking part now by emailing [email protected]. Portsmouth in Bloom is only open to residents and businesses within the city council boundary and city council tenants living outside the city.
The email should include:
- Who you are
- Where you live
- What category you are going to be entering
- The inspiration for your space
- Why you love planting
- What sustainability measures you have incorporated (eg water saving)
Entrants will then be sent a pack setting out the categories, some hints and tips and some basic information on the sustainability themes and water-saving measures.
Registrations will remain open until June 30 and Martyn will be providing his own advice in a weekly column which will be published in The News and on portsmouth.co.uk and have a particular focus on sustainable planting and gardening.
After June 30 registered participants will be sent a link to a form so they can submit their entries for judging. Photographs and videos will be allowed in support of the submissions. This will close on July 24.
There will then be a shortlisting process and a small judging panel will visit the spaces to make final decisions.