Gosport In Bloom Competition
By Michelle Monaghan
SPRINGTIME weather is finally here and so is Gosport In Bloom. The annual gardening competition opened for entries back in April. But the closing date is fast approaching, and you must have your entries in by Friday, June 23.
Why not get into the spring spirit and try and have a go at being a green finger? There are various categories to suit everyone. These include the best front garden, best balcony visual display, best street, best community group garden/project and more!
Don’t fancy getting your hands dirty? There are also categories for photographic submissions, including most original gnome. It might be time to re-watch Gnomeo & Juliet and Sherlock Gnomes for that one!
The competition will be judged from the 3rd – 14th of July. The awards ceremony will occur on Thursday, October 12, at 19.30.
A separate competition, Gosport Schools In Bloom, is running as well. However, teachers and their students must submit their entries in a jiffy; the deadline is Friday, May 26. Categories for aspiring young gardeners include best wildlife garden and best decorative garden. Those hoping to own a luxury hotel chain one day can start with the best bug hotel!
Judging for the school competition will be held from 5th – 16th June and the awards ceremony will take place on the morning of Thursday, July 13.
Still, trying to figure out where to start? Visit the natural beauty of local gardens such as Hermitage Garden and Alverstoke Crescent Garden. Take a stroll through Gosport Park against the backdrop of the ocean. Or maybe you just want to kick back and relax with some good old Gardeners’ World.
Even if you don’t usually get out in the garden, it might be the perfect activity to kickstart your summer as these beautiful sunny days lead us into the next season. Gardening can also have significant benefits for your mental health and overall well-being. Professor Alistair Griffiths from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says: “Simply contemplating nature helps to rest and recharge our brains.”
Let’s get gardening!
For more information regarding entry forms, judging criteria and requirements. Visit: https://www.gosport.gov.uk/gosportinbloom
PICTURED BY DOROTA DYLKA ON UNSPLASH: MEDITATING GARDEN GNOME
