Calling all green fingered gardeners!

All keen gardeners have the chance to show off their horticultural skills by entering the 2014 Tower Hamlets in Bloom competition. From balconies, community gardens and allotments to patios, businesses and schools… the competition is open to anyone who makes the most of open spaces. Organised by Tower Hamlets Council, the competition is part of a nationwide scheme to encourage people to become interested in plants, wildlife and the environment.

The Tower Hamlets in Bloom competition has been running since 1971 and is not just for experienced gardeners but for schools, community organisations and novice gardeners alike. The Council hopes the competition will inspire residents to make the most of green spaces and to turn even the smallest garden into an idyllic haven.

Last year the competition received great interest with more than 100 entries submitted. The winners were invited to an awards ceremony at the Ecology Pavilion in MileEndPark to toast their success. Winners in previous years have also put on a great show: a selection of previous entries can be seen in these pictures.

Entries can be accepted for the following categories.

•Best allotment (traditional growing site)

•Calling all green fingered gardeners!

•Best community growing site (community led growing site)

•Best patio / container garden (paved recreational area enhanced with containers)

•Best communal residential garden (a garden maintained by residents of the site)

•Best community garden (community led open space)

•Best education establishment (schools, youth projects)

•Best children garden (space maintained by children only)

•Best wildlife friendly garden (offers great biodiversity quality)

•Best public house, restaurant, cafés, and other business premises

•Best front garden (visible for passing members of the public)

•Special award for best newcomer (judged across all categories)

The closing date to enter is Sunday, 8th June. The competition will be judged throughout late June and early July. All entries must be visible or accessible to the passing public, except for the allotment, wildlife-friendly garden and the educational establishment categories.

•For an application form call Keith Woodard on 020-7364 7459 or email keith.woodard@towerhamlets.gov.uk.