Gardeners hoping for glory in Star competition

Gardeners from across Shropshire have been making the most of the sunny spell to enter the Shropshire Star Garden of the Year contest. The contest is run in association with the National Garden Society.

It is open to all gardeners from across the region and the deadline for entries is July 23.

Allison Walter, of the society, said people could send in entries, irrespective of the size, shape and location of their plot. She said: “We want to create a level playing field, so we are making sure that every type of garden is catered for.”

She said the categories include plots under half an acre, gardens more than half an acre, best town garden, gardeners under 40 years old, best community garden and best village group of gardens.

The competition will also have an overall winner, determined from the six individual categories.

Among those who have submitted entries is Ella Edwards, of Station Fields, Oakengates. She said: “My garden is my little oasis on earth.”

Sharon Leach, of Darwin Gardens, Mountfield, Shrewsbury, lives in Charles Darwin’s former home. She said: “Taking on part of the Darwin Family’s Garden on The Mount has been very daunting. Trees dominate throughout.”

Dennis and Margaret Purcell, of Spring Cottages, Glazeley, Bridgnorth, said: “Our garden has great seasonal interest.”

Entrants’ gardens will be featured in the Shropshire Star and at shropshirestar.co.uk, while winners will also enjoy a complementary day at the Shrewsbury Flower Show.

Entries can be sent by email with a selection of images to arichardson@shropshirestar.co.uk, or to Shropshire Star Garden of the Year 2012, Features Desk, Shropshire Star, Waterloo Road, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5HU.