Flower power is back in Swansea thanks to the return of a blooming marvellous annual competition.
Entry forms are now available for Swansea in Bloom 2010- a competition looking to make the city a more beautiful place to live, work and visit.
The competition has now been running for 17 years and was set up by a voluntary committee to encourage more floral displays in the city.
It’s now become a colourful fixture of Swansea’s yearly calendar and offers entrants the incentive of trophies and certificates for getting their fingers green.
Swansea in Bloom is broken up into a series of categories that include best front garden, best allotment plot, best new entrant and best pub, café or restaurant.
It’s free to enter and everyone who submits their forms will be sent a starter pack full of top tips and ideas to help them on their way.
People impressed by the gardens or floral displays of friends, neighbours and local businesses can also nominate others to take part in the competition.
Additional categories include the Green Gardener Award and the Young Gardeners Sunflower competition.
Entrants are encouraged to use environmentally-friendly methods where possible. This could include composting, water collection and wildlife gardening.
Swansea Council organises Swansea in Bloom.
Matt Clifton, Swansea Council’s Strategic Manager for Parks, Development and Outreach, said: “Swansea in Bloom is now a well-established competition that offers people the chance to show off their gardening skills and breathe life into Swansea though floral displays.
“It’s open to people of all ages and abilities and helps to make Swansea a more beautiful place for both residents and visitors over the summer months.
“The city already has a spectacular selection of parks and gardens but this competition is a wonderful addition to what’s available.”
People have until Friday July 2 to get their entries in.
Judging takes place throughout July and a ceremony for gold, silver, bronze and commended winners will be held in September.
All Swansea in Bloom entrants will also receive a 10 per cent discount at the Friends of Botanics Plant Sales held every Saturday until September 25 between 10am to 2pm at the Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park.
