Green-fingered gardeners can play their part in a collective effort to ensure Newcastle-under-Lyme looks its best this summer.

Entries are now being accepted for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s local gardening competitions.

The popular annual contests, which are part of the borough’s Heart of England in Bloom campaign, encourages residents, schoolchildren, allotment holders, community groups and businesses/licensed premises to show off their gardening prowess.

This year’s theme is “Local Bloomin’ Landmarks”, with a focus on “Civic Pride” and the things that make our borough unique.

Applications can be submitted online here, with entry forms also available at Castle House. The closing date is Monday, 9 June. Judging takes place during June and July.

The competitions are sponsored by local businesses. Donated prizes and certificates will be awarded to winners at a ceremony held at the New Vic Theatre on 27 September. 

Image: Maureen and Graham Green, from Kidsgrove, won the best residential garden title for the fourth year in a row in 2024.