THE annual Kendal in Bloom competition has been launched to unearth and showcase the best gardens in the auld grey town.

Green fingered enthu-siasts and those who just simply appreciate well-kept flower beds, lawns and more can enter their own or others into the prestigious contest.

Kendal Mayor Sylvia Emmott said: “Residents of Kendal take great pride in their gardens and allotments and I am amazed at the standard of entries each year for Kendal in Bloom, all of which adds to the special environment that we all enjoy.”

Running since 2002, Kendal in Bloom is a way of encouraging people to give the town a colourful lift and is divided into five categories.

These include domestic gardens, which will be judged in groups for large, medium and small, or even displays of hanging baskets in the domestic flower container category.

Environmentally friendly gardeners who use rainwater butts, make their own compost rather than using commercial peat products and those who do not use chemical pesticides and weed killers can enter for the best sustainable garden.

There is also a com-munal area category for shared gardens including churches, community centres, and sheltered housing plus a commercial premises class for local shops, businesses, pubs, guest houses, hotels, cafes and nursing homes.

Judges will be on the look out for gardens with native plants, those which encourage bees, birds and insects and the growing of fruit and vegetables.

Entries must come from within the Kendal town boundaries and are to be made by June 13. Judging will take place between June 23 and July 7.

An awards ceremony for entrants will take place in the Assembly Room at Kendal Town Hall on August 18.

To find out more and to obtain an entry coupon, call 01539-793490 or email office@kendaltown0council.gov.uk

The coupon will also appear in this week's The Westmorland Gazette, out on Thursday (May 22).