Entries are now open for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Virtual Glorious Gardens competition.
In a bid to find some hidden treasures across Dorset, which is open to everyone, from Bournemouth to Bloxworth, Southbourne to Swanage. If you’re proud of your patch, however big or small, why not give it a go.
The local hospice charity has recruited a fantastic judging panel for the competition that includes Jay Blades from BBC One’s The Repair Shop, internationally renowned Garden Designer and multiple award winner at the Chelsea Flower Show, Andy Sturgeon, TV presenter and gardener Christine Walkden and gardening journalist and horticultural consultant, David Hurrion.
Andy Sturgeon said, “Dorset is the most beautiful county in England and our family goes camping there every year. We also have several interesting garden projects overlooking Poole Harbour and we use Purbeck stone in many of our gardens. I have used it in two of my Best in Show gardens at Chelsea Flower Show and have it in my own garden. I am delighted to be judging this competition as gardens are so important to health and well-being at all stages in life. And there are bound to be a few surprises in the entries.”
Jay Blades continued: “I think the work that Lewis-Manning do is incredible and I do feel very strongly about supporting hospices, especially with the COVID-19 crisis. I am really looking forward to seeing all the brilliant works of art!”
David Hurrion added: “As a proud Dorset gardener myself I am delighted to take part in Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s virtual glorious gardens competition! There is even a category for the best children’s drawing of a garden, so the whole family can get involved! If you’re proud of your patch or bonkers about your balcony, I can think of no better way to raise funds to support Lewis-Manning’s work than through gardening, one of the nation’s favourite hobbies.”
Entries are open from 1st – 30th June 2020, with the following categories: best allotment or vegetable patch; best general garden; best small creative space, and best children’s garden picture or artwork (drawing, painting, collage etc.).
The entry cost is £5 per category for adults, or £2.50 for a child (under 12), and can be made online via the campaign page justgiving.com/campaign/virtual-glorious-gardens-2020. Then you email fundraisingteam@lewis-manning.co.uk with your garden photo or picture and what category you would like your photo to be entered into. It’s that simple!
Entrants may submit up to two photos per category, in colour or black and white, and can enter all four categories. They need to include their name, location, for example ‘Wimborne’, email address, plus a daytime contact number. Image file names must be saved with your full name and location.
The charity’s green-fingered supporters will be featured in the Bournemouth Echo throughout the month of July and a guest judging panel will make the final decisions on who they think are the worthy winners. If you are lucky enough to win the top spot and be crowned one of Dorset’s most glorious gardens you will be featured on the winners page in the Echo and receive a prize.
For more details on this exciting competition please visit lewis-manning.co.uk/virtual-glorious-gardens-2020/