Chance to show off Isle’s best gardens

Alan Titchmarsh, MBE, said: “Growing things is such an important part of life, and encouraging children to understand nature and do their bit by gardening is a wonderful and vital thing to do. Congratulations on your endeavours. Grow well!”

This year the competition is extended to include families, children and young people, people with disabilities and anyone who is interested in bio-diversity

Winners of each category can spend a fascinating afternoon with Normanby Hall Country Park’s Head Gardener, Paul Beetham.

He will take the winners on a tour of the award-winning gardens and beautiful grounds at Normanby Hall and answer questions on all aspects of gardening before rounding off the day with delicious afternoon tea in the elegant Regency Dining Room.

There are eight categories for people to enter, as follows:

Best garden maintained by someone with a disability

Best eco-friendly garden – a garden that demonstrates biodiversity by encouraging insects and wildlife

Best family garden – a domestic garden or allotment which all the family maintain

Best school garden – a garden within a school that is maintained by the pupils

Best allotment (under 16s) – an allotment of part of an allotment that is maintained by someone under 16 years old

Best allotment (over 16s) – an allotment which is maintained by a person over the age of 16

Best small garden

Best large garden

It is free to enter the competition and the deadline for entries is May 31 2014. Don’t miss the chance to show off your garden.

You can enter the competition by completing the online form now at www.northlincs.gov.uk/bestgardencompetition2014. Or collect a form from your nearest council venue, including local links, libraries, leisure centres, Normanby Hall Country Park, North Lincolnshire Museum, 20-21 Visual Arts Centre and main council offices in the next few weeks.

Coun Nigel Sherwood, cabinet member for highways and neighbourhood, said: “We have made a few changes to the competition this year so that even more people can take part. We want to encourage people of ages and abilities to enter. If you are proud of your garden and want to show it off then let us know about it. It is always fantastic to see all the different ideas people have. Make sure all your hard work isn’t gone unnoticed and enter today.

“If you have always wanted to try your hand at gardening but haven’t got round to it, why not give it a try? There are so many benefits to gardening, including keeping you fit and healthy.”

Judging will take in July and the Mayor of North Lincolnshire will take part in that process.

A presentation evening will be held in August at Normanby Hall Country Park.