Budding gardeners should be getting ready to flex their green fingers, as the 2009 Barnet in Bloom competition was launched on the 1st of April. Entering its 19th year, the floral contest which regularly attracts dozens of entries across a range of categories, results in a swathe of colour across the borough every summer.

With eight categories, competition is fierce for the trophies and gardening vouchers that will be presented to each of the top three prize winners in each category.

As with last year's contest, as well as the visual beauty of each entry, judges will be looking at the sustainability of the displays – have they been planted using home-made compost, where does the water that maintains them come from? In addition, all displays that are entered must be visible to the passing public on the streets of Barnet.

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor John Marshall, who distributed the prizes at the 2008 winners ceremony, said "Barnet in Bloom is one of my favourite things about each summer, as I know how many wonderful gardeners there are out there who work extremely hard to brighten up the borough for others."
"Every year, we never fail to be impressed with the standard of entries and I’m sure that 2009 will be no different. I urge anyone with green fingers to get out into the garden and enter this year's competition."

For the Best Front Garden the judges are looking for a high-impact display with masses of vibrant coloured plants planted in a front garden which can be enjoyed and easily seen by passers-by. As a minimum approximately two thirds of the shrubs and evergreen, bedding and perennials need to be planted directly into the garden and not into containers.

For the Most Eco-Friendly Garden they are looking for innovative and creative gardens that are sustainable, and original. Creating a relaxing “green space” for you, your family and friends, this could be a mixed garden of flowers, shrubs, vegetables and herbs and includes using natural resources, which encourage the growth of plants and welcomes insects and wildlife. Having bird feeders available for the birds is an option. This is also your opportunity to recycle objects by using them in the garden.

Transforming your balcony, the Best Balcony Display is looking for vivid and dazzling hanging baskets, troughs and/or window boxes filled with a variety of plants and an abundance of colourful flowers for all to enjoy.

The Best Floral Display involves creating an interesting and colourful floral display in a variety of containers. This can be done in a garden, but three quarters of the display should be planted in containers for this category. You can make it original by recycling, using unwanted objects and containers and making them into planters - for example old watering cans, jugs, pots and car tyres can make an interesting display. The judges are looking for approximately two thirds of the bedding or half hardy perennials to be planted directly into the ground or in pots

The Best Communal Gardens celebrates the creating of a colourful garden as a community project by planting shrubs, and/or a variety of plants and flowers for all to admire. It is a lovely way for neighbours to work together as a ‘team effort’. You can enter by street, square, close, cul-de-sac, mews or any group of residences. This category can include sheltered, warden-assisted premises or allotments.

The Best Bloomin’ Business (Restaurant, Pub or Commercial Premises) is open to all businesses within Barnet. The judges are looking for stunning, lively floral displays presented in containers, hanging baskets or flower beds that brighten and enhance the front of the premises and create the ‘wow factor’.

The Best Garden or Floral Display Outside a Place of Worship takes the opportunity to create a welcoming and colourful garden or entrance at a place of worship! This category is open to all denominational communities within the borough.

Finally the Best School Garden category is open to all schools and colleges in Barnet where students work together collectively to make a notable change to the environment. The judges are looking for educational and sustainable gardens or outdoor spaces that encourage growth and wildlife by planting shrubs, flowers and or vegetables. For example: creating bird feeders to encourage birds, or use recyclable items within the garden.

The closing date for entries is 30 June 2009 and judging will take place between June and September. For an entry form, visit your local library, or email civic.events@barnet.gov.uk, or visit the council’s website at www.barnet.gov.uk.