THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE CITY’S GARDENING TALENT HAS BEGUN with entries now open for Sunderland in Bloom 2013.
Individual gardeners, community groups, companies and indeed anyone who takes time to create some beautiful greenery outside their home, business, school or office is invited to take part.
There are 11 classes, with a winner in each category selected from each part of the city: Sunderland North, Sunderland East, Sunderland West, Washington and the Coalfields.
Judging will take place later this month and September with trophies, certificates and gift tokens for the best in each category. The top prize is £250 for the overall winner in the Best Garden Class, to spend at Clay’s Garden Centre who is one of the sponsors of the competition.
Judges award marks for the best use of colour, design, use of unusual plant materials, visual effect and originality with the closing dates for entries Friday 6 September.
Winners will be notified by post, and invited to attend the annual Sunderland in Bloom Civic Awards prize giving ceremony held in November.
Winners also get the chance for their prize-winning displays to be entered into the regional Northumbria in Bloom or national Britain in Bloom competitions.
Portfolio Holder for City Services, Councillor James Blackburn said: “The Sunderland in Bloom Civic Awards gives us all the chance to recognize and celebrate the massive contribution gardeners make to our city.
“Gardeners and the green fingered community are creating a better, greener environment for us all to live in and enjoy.
“The awards open to everyone, and we hope anyone who enjoys gardening and creating something beautiful will enter by completing the entry forms.”
Entry forms are available from council offices or online.
Class 1: Best Garden – open to all front and rear gardens within the city
Class 2: Best Community Effort – any group who created their own display with community involvement
Class 3: Best Commercial and Industrial Effort – all businesses including factories, industrial estates, garages, car show rooms, hotels, shops etc
Class 4: Best Public House – judges will be looking for colourful displays and attractive landscape/floral designs
Class 5: Best Religious Establishment – all denominations are welcome
Class 6: Best Public Services Award – to include hospitals, railway and Metro stations, fire stations, bus stations and care homes
Class 7: Best School Project – judges will be looking for schools involvement and impact in floral displays, conservation and overall effort
Class 8: Best Allotment Site – open to all allotment sites within the city
Class 9: Best Conservation Site – all groups with a conservation/nature project. Attention will be paid to effective use of the natural environment or the restoration of areas of urban decay
Class 10: Best Containerised Display – all gardens and yards with displays of hanging baskets, tubs or other containers
Class 11: Best area, town or village – any area, town or college can be entered by a committee or community group
