2024 Poole In Bloom Presentation Evening

We invite you to take part in our 2024 Poole In  Bloom Competition. 

You do not have to be an expert gardener to take part, just love your garden and gardening.  Through the competition you will get to share your passion with the community and inspire others! There are no limitations, just your imagination and choice of design and planting. 

Entering the competition is free of charge so please consider entering using the form below by entering your email address and clicking 'next'. You can also download the application form or collect one from your local library. This can be scanned and emailed to enquiries@pooleinbloom.co.uk or posted to the specified address. 

Plants that are well grown - be it flowers, foliage planting or a mixture of both. Artificial flowers are not acceptable. Spent flowers should be appropriately deadheaded.

Right plant, right place - for example tall plants at the back of a border and shorter ones at the front, sun lovers in the sun and shade lovers in the shade.

Excessive pests and diseases are considered faults.

Hedges should be neatly trimmed and paths should be clean. Lawns should be  trimmed neatly with well-manicured edges.  Lawns in drought conditions eg brown, will not be severely penalised should water restrictions be in place. Weeds should be kept to a minimum

Wildlife gardens - should have a level of unkempt appearance with plenty of cover for wildlife. There should be no evidence of pest or disease control, eg slug pellets. A wildlife pond is an advantage, constructed at ground level with easy access for wildlife. Nest boxes sited are an advantage. Planting of shrubs and trees which produce a food source is very important eg berries in autumn and winter. Mixed types of habitats will obtain the highest marks.

Sensory Gardens - should have good and easy access.  Planting in containers above ground level is an advantage. Design and planting should provide strong colour, scent and texture to involve the 5 senses (sight, sound, scent, tough and taste). 

New for 2024 is the Poole In Bloom Kids Sunflower Competition. Poole In Bloom will send you a pack of sunflower seeds to take part. Seed packs will also be provided at some local schools. If you work in a school and would like Poole in Bloom to visit with seed packs please contact us. 

Please ensure you enter  by the end of April. 

If you wish to enter, or have children who wish to enter please send an email to enquiries@pooleinbloom.co.uk entitled 'Kids Sunflower Competition', including name(s) and age(s) of child(ren), address for sending seed packs to and contact details. If you are under 16 wishing to enter please ensure that your parent/guardian sends the email.

Judging will take place at the end of August and will be done initially via submission of a photograph including a ruler within it. The top sunflowers will be visited by Poole in Bloom Judges.

Good luck!