Maidenhead & Windsor

Helpful hints and advice on water conservation from Maidenhead Royal Borough mean that gardeners are once again "digging for victory" in the annual Garden in Bloom competition – despite the current water shortage.

The timely tips and simple advice feature on leaflets being distributed to Maidenhead green-fingered enthusiasts taking part in this year's award scheme to find the best local front gardens.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services said this week: "We all have to think very carefully about how we use water more efficiently during the current water shortage – and there are particular challenges for gardeners trying to beautify their borders for the Garden in Bloom competition.

"This current situation gives gardeners a great opportunity to consider using plants in their gardens that can survive with much less water – and the council is doing its best to help by issuing leaflets with some simple water conservation tips for gardeners to follow.

"Garden in Bloom is always a wonderful way of encouraging residents to create gardens for the rest of us to enjoy – so let's enjoy this year's unique challenge and wish all the entrants every success. "

Now in its 14th successful year, Maidenhead Garden in Bloom acknowledges the important contribution private front gardens make to the appearance of towns and villages – and organisers are urging residents to nominate either their own or neighbours front gardens for consideration in the scheme.

Judging takes place in July on a ward-by-ward basis, with ward councillors nominating a winner and runner-up in each of the borough's 23 wards.

They will be judging the gardens on design and impact, originality, colour and variety of plants maintenance and presentation and special features – which this year will
include topical water-conservation measures.

Winners and runners-up in each ward will go forward to the borough-wide Garden in Bloom competition, with one garden selected as the overall Maidenhead winner.

Garden in Bloom nomination forms and leaflets, including water conservation tips, are available at civic offices, libraries, leisure centres, garden centres, parish council offices and on the Royal Borough website at rbwm.gov.uk

Simple water conservation tips on Maidenhead Royal Borough's leaflets include:
· use grey water (washing up water, bath water and vegetable water) to water plants
· store rainwater in water butts or large tanks
· use a mulch to keep the soil free of weeds
· water in the evening - and around plant roots – to reduce evaporation loss
· plant trees, shrubs and climbers in autumn to reduce the need for watering and give plants a greater chance to establish.

Closing date for nominations is June 30. A special awards ceremony will be held in the autumn.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead