GARDENERS of all types are being urged to enter this year’s Bournemouth in Bloom.

Whether it is a hanging basket, patio or something a little bigger, the competition’s new chair Rev Chris Colledge wants to encourage the community to help make their town look beautiful.

With a large choice of categories to pick from there is an option for almost everyone – and Rev Colledge said more people need to be aware of how easy it is to take part and start discovering their green fingers.

“Bournemouth in Bloom provides the opportunity for everyone, from residents to hotels, businesses and even places of worship to take up the challenge to make the town as florally magnificent as possible,” he added.

“Many people will be viewing the Chelsea Flower Show and that in itself should create a horticultural interest to inspire people to bring that to Bournemouth.

“I have always been passionate about horticulture and the value of bringing nature’s beauty into an urban context.

“We are blessed to live in a town which has a significant amount of parkland and comprehensive arboricultural cover.”

The volunteer-run Bournemouth in Bloom group has been running competitions for more than 30 years to encourage residents to take pride in their community.

For residents the list of categories includes competitions for: large front gardens; small front gardens; best hanging basket; private balcony or patio or container garden; flats and retirement accommodation.

In the commercial and public section, the categories include: language schools; residential nursing and rest homes; eating establishments; pubs and bars; small retail shops; covered shopping areas; best landscaped commercial premises; places of worship; best hanging baskets and best hotel or bed and breakfast frontage.

For an entry form or more information, call 07528 410775 or visit bournemouthinbloom.co.uk

For the school competitions email lynda.clarke@pclarke.plus.com or call 07734 401932.