Bexley in Bloom

What's it all about?

Bexley in Bloom is an annual competition that gives local people the chance to show off their gardening skills. It aims to make the Borough more attractive for residents and visitors, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the environment.

Anyone can enter

Whether you have a window box or hanging baskets, a pretty front garden, or run a business or pub, there's the opportunity for you to take part. You could even win one of the excellent prizes donated by Ruxley Manor Garden Centre. If you're not a keen gardener yourself, why not take the opportunity to nominate somebody else. It could be a neighbour with a delightful front garden, a friend or relative, the gardener responsible for your church grounds, or even the manager of your "local".

Return to top of page

Judging

This will be carried out by judges on the following dates:

• Schools Judging: (inc. Wildlife Garden
  category if entered) 16 to 20 June
• Schools Heaviest Potatoes:At the School Awards ceremony
• Front Garden, Permanent Planting: 19 July to 4 August
• London in Bloom: 2 to 13 July
• Wildlife Garden: (not schools) 19 July to 4 August
• Front Garden - Seasonal & Container Planting: 19 July to 4 August
• Back Gardens: 19 July to 4 August
• Shared Gardens and Business/Public Premises: 7 to 11 July

A postcard will be put through your letterbox once the garden has been
judged. At the award ceremony each entrant will receive a copy of the results with judge’s comments. A special daytime ceremony will be held for all the School categories in late July.

How to enter

Simply decide which category is most appropriate for you and complete the online Entry Form. Full details on the category you are entering will be sent to you on receipt of your entry form.

That's all there is to it, but remember that all entries and nominations must be received by Friday 30 May for Schools and Friday 13 June 2008 for all other categories. Alternatively, paper entry forms can be obtained by either calling 020 8303 7777 x2562, emailing parks&openspaces@bexley.gov.uk or collecting them from your local library, Hall Place Nursery, the Civic Centre, Danson Park Play Area Kiosk, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre or other Council Offices.

Return to top of page

Competition Guidelines

This year's competition aims to give all entrants a chance to see what standard their garden is. Our independent judges will assess each garden against nationally recognised judging criteria and give all an appropriate certificate:

• Gold,
• Silver Gilt,
• Silver,
• Bronze, or
• Merit

They will also produce a mini report with constructive comments on the aspects of your garden. The achievement certificates will be presented to each entrant at the award ceremony held later in the year. In addition to the above there are 40 recognition awards kindly donated by Ruxley Manor Garden Centre and two recognition awards donated by Bexley Extra newspaper.

All categories must be viewable by the public except for Schools, Back Gardens and Wildlife Gardens.

Gardens must be accessible throughout the judging dates.

The judges will conduct a preview in late June to select gardens to represent the borough in the prestigious London in Bloom competition. Notification will be made if your garden is selected.

Categories and Recognition Awards for 2008

Return to top of page

Sponsor

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

For many years the name of Ruxley Manor Garden Centre and the annual Bexley In Bloom Competition have been very closely linked. The year 2008 proves no exception and we extend our sincere thanks to the company for their continuing support and encouragement.

The success of the competition clearly demonstrates that local people want to be involved in improving their environment and the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers surely provides the perfect solution.

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre is a well established family business, having started from humble beginnings in 1964, they have successfully grown and developed over 40 years to become one of the UK’s leading garden centres. They pride themselves on offering all their customers a very personal, friendly service and people come from far and wide to see their extensive selection of high quality gardening and leisure products.

Boasting a large plant area, they offer an array of plants from around the globe, while closer to home they proudly grow onsite their own great value bedding and herbaceous range.

In addition, the centre boasts an inspirational lifestyle area, offering everything for the home and an array of gift ideas for all the family. Renowned for its extensive choice of cane and garden furniture and barbecues, Ruxley Manor is a garden centre that caters for all seasons. You can also take the weight off your feet at Cyril’s Coffee Shop, where you can rest and relax with a drink and a bite to eat.

If you are looking for ideas for your garden then make sure that you visit Ruxley Manor's 'Landscape for Living' Department. With an extensive range of hard landscaping materials and water features and 8 stunning Display Gardens you will be sure to find plenty of inspiration to take home with you

We look forward to joining with Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in providing a quality service to the community and in encouraging local people to improve their surroundings for the benefit of all those who live and work in the Borough. Our sincere thanks to the sponsors of Bexley In Bloom 2008.

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5BQ
Telephone: 020 8300 0084
marketing@ruxley-manor.co.uk
www.ruxley-manor.co.uk