Easter weekend is traditionally the start of the gardening season. For some gardeners, it is the time of year when elaborate planting schemes that have taken all winter to plan will begin to take shape, while for others the long weekend will be an opportunity to brighten up a patio with a few pots of pansies.
Farnham Town Council invites residents to think about taking part in this year’s secret garden competition. The competition is open to businesses, residents and schools in Farnham and its surrounding villages of Badshot Lea, The Bourne, Boundstone, Frensham, Hale, Heath End, Moor Park, Rowledge, Weybourne and Wrecclesham.
Councillor Jeremy Ricketts, Lead Member for Farnham in Bloom says: “The competition is open to everyone; you do not need a large garden or to be a horticulturist to enter. We have eight categories ranging from best courtyard or hanging basket to best large garden and best shop front.
“As a keen environmentalist, I would like to encourage people to take part in the best wildlife garden. You can grow some lovely plants and flowers to attract bees and butterflies or create a new wildlife haven by introducing a log pile or some water. There are lots of ideas on the internet about how to create a wildlife friendly garden and the best thing is that it does not need to cost a lot of money nor does it require a lot of space. The Secret Garden competition is a great way for gardeners to contribute towards our entry into this year’s South and South East in Bloom and Britain in Bloom.”
To enter the competition, gardeners will need to complete and submit an entry form by 25 June. Judging will take place during the first week of July and the winners in each category will receive gardening vouchers.
Farnham Town Council is grateful to the sponsors of The Secret Garden categories who are:
- Best courtyard – Patio Blackspot Removal Company
- Hanging basket/container; large garden and best public house/hotel – Forest Lodge Garden Centre
- Best front, back or small garden; schools’ garden award and best shop front – Squire’s Garden Centre
- Best wildlife garden – Surrey Wildlife Trust.
