Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is running a gardening competition to help the borough look its best for this year’s Heart of England in Bloom campaign.

Categories include allotments, residential gardens, community projects (schools),
community gardens (groups) and licensed premises/businesses.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday, 14 June and judging takes place at the end of June and in July and an awards ceremony will take place at the New Vic Theatre in October.

Cllr. Mark Holland, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said: “The Council co-
ordinates the Newcastle in Bloom campaign but its continued success is down to a borough-wide partnership involving residents, businesses, schools, community groups and
a wide range of volunteers who take great pride in improving where they live. The Council’s annual competition is all about community involvement – it plays an important part of the campaign and attracts a lot of talented gardeners every year. That’s why Britain in Bloom is far more than just pretty flowers; as well as improving community links, it makes Newcastle-under-Lyme a more pleasant place to live, work and visit.”

Entry forms are available at www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk and can be posted to Castle
House or e-mailed to newcastleinbloom@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk

Graham and Vera Tagg, from Porthill, were declared the owners of the best residential
garden – and hanging baskets – in 2018 thanks to the exceptional horticultural skills on
show in their “beautifully kept” and “well loved” garden.