Green-fingered residents are being urged to get their gardens in tip-top shape thanks to the return of the Swansea in Bloom competition.
Forms are now available to enter the annual competition that gives people the chance to boost their gardening skills and be recognised for their talent and hard work.
The competition is free to enter and organisers stress people don’t have to be experts to take part.
A range of categories has again been made available for 2011. They include best front garden, best back garden and best allotment plot.
Young gardeners can enter a sunflower competition and businesses can also enter thanks to categories including best pub, café or restaurant.
Swansea in Bloom is now in its 18th year. It was set up back in 1993 by a voluntary group to encourage more floral displays across the city.
Iwan Davies, Swansea Council’s Head of Culture and Tourism, said: “Swansea in Bloom has been a real success story since its inception with hundreds of people entering the variety of categories every year.
“What the competition does is make the city a more attractive place during the summer months while generating a healthy competitive spirit among gardeners of all abilities in our communities.
“People across the city must put many hundreds of hours of hard work into their gardens every year and this is a way they can be recognised for their contribution to our city’s appearance.”
Entry forms are now available online at www.breatheswansea.com and at venues including the Civic Centre, the Guildhall, Plantasia, Swansea Museum, the Dylan Thomas Centre, the LC, the National Waterfront Museum and the Tourist Information Centres in Mumble and Swansea city centre.
People can also call 01792 635124 for a hard copy.
The final closing date for entries is Monday June 20 but anyone who enters before Friday May 27 will be entered into a free prize draw. The prizes include an overnight stay at Morgan’s Hotel, tickets to see a show at the Grand Theatre or tickets to see Outdoor Theatre at Oystermouth Castle.
Swansea Council would like to thank this year’s sponsors of Swansea in Bloom that include Focus DIY, Swansea Sound, South Wales Evening Post, Fforestmill Garden Centre, Morgan’s Hotel, Swansea Quadrant and The White House.
