Green fingers are go

8:56am Saturday 17th May 2008

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Budding gardening enthusiasts are being encouraged to get pruning to ensure their pergolas are pristine and their flowers are flawless.

Their efforts could be rewarded as the Barnet in Bloom competition launched last week to find the best gardens in the area.

There will be three winners in each of eight categories, with the overall winner announced in September.

A spokeswoman for Barnet Council, which runs the competition, said: "Enthusiasm counts as much as expertise in this event which is all about making Barnet a great place to live and work."

John Barrett, 59, of Crispin Road, Edgware, won best front garden in last year's competition.

He said: "I didn't expect to win, I just wanted to create something that people would think looks nice.

"I think everyone should maintain their front garden and make it look good rather than make a car park out of it."

There were more than 50 entrants last year, and the only criteria is that each entry must be visible to the passing public and fit into one of the categories.

Councillor Maureen Braun said: "Barnet in Bloom is an opportunity for residents to win the recognition they deserve in contributing to keeping Barnet a green and pleasant borough."

Entrants must register before June 30. Entry forms and information on categories are available from libraries, the council's events department on 020 8359 2493, or email civic.events@barnet.gov.uk/bib Entry forms may also be completed online at barnet.gov.uk/bib and judging will take place during the first half of July.