To be eligible for entry, you merely need to live within 15 miles of Ruxley Manor. You can choose to enter one or more categories and even nominate a neighbour, relative, business or community garden if you feel that their green-fingered talent deserves to be recognised!

Best Front Garden – Seasonal or permanent display

Awarded to the front garden which the judges feel is the most attractive or which best demonstrates horticultural skill and/or design flair. Can be solely containers, a cultivated garden or a combination of both. Colour themes and contrasting colours tend to attract additional marks from the judges, as will any garden that leaves a lasting impression.

Best Back Garden – Large and Small

Awarded to the back garden which the judges consider to be a ‘hidden gem’. It could showcase a variety of plants, act as a haven for wildlife, or simply represent the most enterprising use of your space! For 2025 we will be separating the category into small and large gardens. Contestants will simply enter into the back garden category and the judges will decide which size they will enter you into when they visit the garden itself. Remember to keep an eye out for

Will you be top of the class?! Enter into the competition and see if you can impress our judges!

Best School Themed Container

As many schools are focusing more on sustainability we are asking schools to create the best single container display based on a favourite book that is colourful, creative and fun while promoting a sustainable message! The use of recycled containers is encouraged – provided there is adequate scope for drainage, ideas include old food containers or up-cycling old or unused items!

Best School Allotment Plot

New for 2025 and tied in with our sustainable theme, we are looking for the most productive and well-tended allotment plot owned and cared for by students in schools. Crops must be pest and disease free, paths should be well maintained with tidy edges, and there should be evidence of good compost production and cultivation of soil.

Best Allotment Plot (Full Size)

Awarded to the most productive and well-tended full size allotment plot. Crops must be pest and disease free, paths should be well maintained with tidy edges, and there should be evidence of good compost production and cultivation of soil.

Best Allotment Plot (Half Size)

Awarded to the most productive and well-tended half size allotment plot. Crops must be pest and disease free, paths should be well maintained with tidy edges, and there should be evidence of good compost production and cultivation of soil.

Best Newcomer

Awarded to the most productive and well-tended new allotment plot, taken over in the last three years. Crops must be pest and disease free, paths should be well maintained with tidy edges, and there should be evidence of good compost production and cultivation of soil. Entrants into this category are not eligible to enter into the other allotment categories.

Best Overall Allotment Site

Awarded to the site that the judges feel is the most well maintained and which best demonstrates a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for allotment life. Please note, entrants into this category must supply an allotment map ahead of judging.

This is the broadest category and is designed to appeal to businesses and community groups in your locality.

Best Shop/Business/Pub/Restaurant – Garden Container(s) Display

Awarded to the organisation that the judges feel has best embraced the gardening competition by helping to brighten up the locality. The display can include, among others, police, ambulance and fire stations, hotels, hospitals, care homes, golf courses, offices, retail outlets and so on.

Best Community Garden

Awarded to the garden that the judges feel best represents what can be achieved when like-minded individuals (two or more), work together to create something special for everyone to enjoy.