Council tenant garden competition open for applications

"The garden competition is a highlight of the Council’s calendar, and our tenants continue to astound us with the quality of their gardens each year."

A competition which urges Charnwood Borough Council tenants to showcase their skills in the garden is open for applications.

This year is the 14th year Charnwoof Borough Council has run the competition.

There are nine categories to enter:

Best House or Flat Garden
Best Pots and Hanging Baskets
Best Community Garden
Best Sheltered Court
Best Fruit and Vegetable Garden
Best Newcomer
Best Young Gardener (entrant must be under 16)
Best Flower Display
Best Eco Garden (must show the use of upcycling, recycling, planting of wildflowers, environmentally friendly).

Councillor Colin Hamilton, lead member for public and private sector housing at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The garden competition is a highlight of the Council’s calendar, and our tenants continue to astound us with the quality of their gardens each year.

“I was hugely impressed with the entrants of the competition last year, so I can’t wait to see what tenants have been doing with their green spaces in 2024.

“I would also advise entrants to take photos of their gardens throughout the year and consider submitting those photos alongside their applications, as I know the unpredictable nature of our weather can often disrupt our gardening plans.

“Keep enjoying your gardens, and I look forward to seeing your entries in the summer.”

Entries for the tenant garden competition need to be submitted by Monday, June 3 and judging will take place between July 22-26. Entrants will be notified of their judging date closer to the time.

Category winners will receive High Street vouchers. The prizes are £100 for first place, £75 for second, £50 for third for each category, and all other entrants who don’t win will receive a small gift.

The Council has around 5,500 properties and the competition is one way of celebrating tenants’ pride in their homes and communities.

To enter, tenants can call the customer engagement team on 01509 634679 or 01509 634955 or email involvement@charnwood.gov.uk for an application form.

Alternatively, apply online or download an entry form via www.charnwood.gov.uk/gardens.