The weather has finally turned spring-like and the time is right to start planning your floral displays.
Whether bedding plants are your thing, or you prefer the wild flower look, a beautiful garden can brighten any summer.
If you have a front garden and live in Holbeach then you could be in with a chance of winning a cash prize for your horticultural efforts.
The Voice has joined forces with Holbeach in Bloom for the 2018 Front Garden Competition.
You don’t have to be a Monty Don or Capability Brown to take part, you just need to have a touch of creativity and bring a smile to the judges’ faces this summer.
It’s never too early to start planning and there are no rules as to the style.
It could be a gravel-based drought garden with lavender galore and succulents that thrive in drier conditions.
Or you may have a traditional lawn and borders which are packed with colour and contrast.
Perhaps you are planting for wildlife so single-blooms and tidy buddleia could make the centrepiece.
There are many options, whatever the size of your front garden so don’t worry if it’s small as a pot display can be as stunning.
The judging team will be looking at entries at the end of July and this year it will be just the front gardens so there are no issues about having to be at home.
Holbeach in Bloom has won gold in the East Midlands in Bloom competition and this year the organisers are aiming to get into the national finals.
The committee has been awarded a grant from Tesco’s Bags for Help and will be spending the money on improving the closed church yard in the town. Members also hope to improve a roundabout and plant it with wild flower seeds.
The town will also be decked in red, white and blue hanging baskets to mark the centenary of the First World War.
“We are hoping to make Holbeach look wonderful and it would be great if the front gardens around the town were all part of the competition,” said Graham Rudkin, of Holbeach in Bloom.
The prizes on offer this year will see a top award of £50, second prize of £30 and third of £20. There will also be a discretionary additional £20 for someone who has clearly made a special effort for the community.
Photographs of your front garden entry can be emailed to: [email protected] and please make sure your name, address and daytime number is included. Please ensure it is in the .jpg format and at least 1mb.
You can also send prints to us by post using the coupon above.
We will not be able to return the prints, but they will be published as part of the competition.
Submit your pictures before noon on Friday, July 14 so the judges have time to create an itinerary and include the entries.
Good luck to everyone taking part and we look forward to the pictures.
