Budding Neighbourhoods calling all green-fingered customers

Green fingered customers can put their gardening skills to the test again this year as we launch our annual Budding Neighbourhoods competition.

There are three new categories for 2025 with an increased emphasis on helping the environment and biodiversity.

Customers can enter a Sustainable Garden to show off eco-friendly gardening practices, an Edible Garden for those growing their own food or a Wildlife Friendly Garden to highlight spaces that help nature thrive.

First prize in each category is £100 Love2Shop vouchers, with second and third places in each category receiving £50 and £25 respectively. Entries are online and can be submitted from 30 June to 13 August.

“We love this competition here at FCHO because we can’t wait to see the creativity and care our customers put into their gardens every year,” said FCHO communities manager Naomi Martin-Smith.

“Whether you’re growing your own fruit and veg in an Edible Garden, creating a haven for pollinators in a Wildlife Garden, or championing eco-friendly choices in a Sustainable Garden, this is your chance to shine.

“Gardens do so much more than look good - they bring people together, support wellbeing, boost biodiversity and give a sense of pride to our communities.

“We hope to see a flood of entries for these exciting new categories as our talented customers reach new levels of excellence over the summer. Good luck to everyone taking part.”

To enter customers need to upload an image of their work and their details on FCHO’s website at: www.fcho.co.uk/BuddingNeighbourhoods

Deadline for entries is 5pm on 13 August.

The winners will be contacted after the competition closes and winning images shared on FCHO’s website and social media channels.