AN initiative organised by Groundwork in partnership with St Helens Council and Liverpool Housing Trust aims to encourage residents on the Cement City estate in Parr to spruce up their gardens by taking part in a new gardening competition.

The competition willbe split into three categories as follows:

1. Most improved garden (aimed at people who currently do little or no gardening).

2. Best disabled garden (where help will be provided to entrants for the removal of garden waste).

3. Best garden overall (aimed at people who are already keen gardeners).

A number of special offers are available to entrants to help get them started. These include free starter packs containing assorted plants; special kids gardening kit where required; free training demonstrations showing residents how to make their own hanging baskets and their own bird boxes; skips for entrants to get rid of their garden waste; and cut-price compost bins, delivered free of charge.

Every household on the estate will be sent a leaflet and garden competition entry form which must be completed and returned by Friday, April 14.

Before and after photographs will be taken of gardens and the competition will be judged on the amount of effort put in by entrants rather than the amount of money spent.

Judging will take place from July 24 and winners will be notified by Monday, July 31. Prizes include garden make-overs, garden improvement vouchers and tickets for Southport Flower Show including transport.

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