Gardeners, is yours the best in town?

OLDHAM Council has launched its annual private gardens competition as part of this year’s Bloom and Grow campaign.

The contest is the chance for residents to show their green fingers and try to get their garden named best in the borough.

Last year Oldham won the Best City, based on the size of the electoral roll, in Britain in Bloom — the very first time Oldham entered the prestigious national competition.

This year’s theme for Bloom and Grow is “Edible Britain”, inspired by the plants and shrubs which grow naturally in the countryside, but make delicious and nutritious ingredients for the cooking pot.

Judges will be looking for the most vibrant, attractive and well-kept gardens.

To enter residents must complete an application form and send in two colour photos of their garden at its best. 

Entries will be whittled down to a shortlist which will then be judged by Oldham Council’s environmental service team.

Shortlisted gardens will be judged in mid-August, with the winner to be announced at Oldham’s Gardens and Allotments ceremony later this year.

For an application form or for further information, contact 0161 770 4056 or email environmentalservices@oldham.gov.uk

Entry is free and the closing date for applications is Friday, July 26. Entrants must have their own garden and not have received any help from a professional gardener.