Guildford in Bloom’s 2025 Gardening Competition is now OPEN FOR ENTRIES – the deadline is 22 June 2025
With grateful thanks to Premium Sponsors:
St Edward Homes
Unigold 2000 Ltd
Chapters Financial
Online entry form here
Categories are:
Best Front Garden – Sponsored by Sally Rule Property
Your garden must be visible to the public from the footpath. It will be judged on design, colour, quality of plants, and all year-round interest. Gardens will be divided into small or large category
Best Allotment & Vegetable/Kitchen Gardens – Sponsored by Guildford Allotment Society
We will be looking for a vegetable garden/plot that is productive, functional for growing food and that looks good! Allotments must be kept clean, free from weeds, well manured, and maintained in a good state of cultivation and fertility, with the main purpose being the production of food.
Best Garden for Wildlife – Sponsored by Surrey County Council’s URBOA Project
Open to all gardens where the design, choice of plants and management is especially focused on and welcoming to a variety of wildlife.
Nature Champion – Sponsored by Clandon Wood Nature Reserve and Natural Burial Ground
This category is suited to larger areas of private or public land, businesses and community groups where the aim is to protect and conserve wildlife habitats and species population.
Best Pub, Restaurant or Business in Bloom
We are looking for a well-balanced design, good use of colour and quality planting.
Best Container Garden – Sponsored by Guildford Financial
Open to gardens that are based on pots and baskets. Must be visible to the public from the footpath.
Best Neighbourhood Project – Sponsored by Tunsgate Quarter
This category recognises projects that green up and enhance the local area or neighbourhood space. Gardens will include those organised by sheltered accommodation, village halls, residents’ associations or groups, parish councils, voluntary groups, and charities etc. (Take a look at Guildford Beekeeper Association Free Talks for Groups)
St. Edward Best Balcony Garden – Sponsored by St Edward Homes
Together with our Sponsor St. Edward Homes this new category seeks to reward and encourage those who create beautiful spaces on their balconies – proving you don’t have to have a big garden to create pollinator pitstops and enjoy the natural wellbeing that growing can provide. Download a Balcony Category entry form here
Best Themed Garden Award – The Dorothy Walden Award – Sponsored by Cressive DX
This year our theme is Butterflies and Moths. The theme must be represented by the planting, with the aim of attracting more butterflies and moths. Gardens entered in all categories are eligible to enter the Best Themed Garden Award.
Young Gardener Award – Sponsored by University of Surrey
Awarded for entries from young people aged 11-21 years in full time education.
Best School in Bloom – Sponsored by Edwins Garden Centre
This year our theme is Butterflies and Moths – With the aim of encouraging more Butterflies and Moths to Guildford’s gardens. To enter your School or to find out more – click here
The deadline for your entries is: Sunday 22 June 2025 – and judging will take place between 28 June – 13 July 2025.
You can find full details on our website: 2025 Guildford in Bloom Competition | Guildford in Bloom
You can also view our judging criteria here: Judging Criteria | Guildford in Bloom
Good Luck!
PS: We would also love to see you at Blooming Picnic on 7 June 2025 in Guildford Castle Grounds – its a free event and no booking is necessary – so get the date in your diary and join us for a free fun afternoon.