The search is on for Farnham’s best gardens and gardeners in the annual Secret Gardens competition. There is still time to submit last minute entries. The competition is part of Farnham in Bloom, organised by Farnham Town Council and supported by The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd and other Farnham in Bloom sponsors.
Councillor Sally Dickson, Farnham Town Council’s Lead Member for Community Enhancement is encouraging more gardeners to enter: “Each year, we have the pleasure of seeing beautiful courtyards, front and back gardens, vegetable plots, many more types of gardens and displays in this fabulous competition. The deadline is Friday 17 June so if you are creating a stunning container display, have worked to get your garden looking better than ever or have gone the extra mile to bring wildlife to your plot, head to the Farnham Town Council website and fill in an entry form.”
There are 10 competition categories, which invite entries for all sizes of garden (even hanging baskets and containers), gardens in private homes, business and community settings and gardens for growing vegetables or attracting wildlife.
Each gardener receives a judge’s report, making the competition a great way for gardeners to learn more and push their gardening abilities in future years if they wish. All entrants will receive a certificate too.
“The recent combination of lots of rain with sunny days in between means gardens have really sprung into life – foliage is looking vibrant, many of our favourite flowers are coming into bloom and lots of us are enjoying being in our garden. Weeds are springing into life too but don’t let that put you off as our judges reward creative planting and consideration for the environment; it’s not all about horticultural perfection,” Councillor Dickson continues.
The competition leaflet, which is available to download from the council’s website or to pick up from locations such as libraries and public information points includes details on who can enter and the judges’ criteria. Judging will take place during the week of 4 July followed by an awards event in October.
