National flowerbed competition

2012 entrants are set the theme of 'Celebration of Sport' for their flowerbed designs.

To celebrate the London Olympics, the National Flowerbed Competition at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park has been given a theme of the ‘Celebration of Sport’, with each entry depicting a different sport.

In previous years the design of the flowerbeds have been inspired by something that come from the area of the entrant. Last year's Gold winner, Cheshire East Council, celebrated the restoration of Queens Park in Crewe with a design that included a pop-up book and crooked clock tower.

This competition is open to local authorities, communities and horticultural colleges across the country, encouraging the imagination of designers but limiting them to a traditional flowerbed shape of around 7m by 4m (23ft x 13ft). These brightly coloured beds are popular with visitors of all ages from keen gardeners to and social visitors.

The entries for this year's RHS National Flowerbed Competition include:
Darlington Borough Council
Birmingham City Council
Dumfries & Galloway Council
Partington Parish Council
Manchester City Council
Newcastle - under - Lyme Borough Council
Parish of St Helier Parks Dept Jersey
Frinton In Bloom
Bucksburn in Bloom
Lancaster City Council

Bob Sweet, Head of Shows Development at the RHS, said: 'The RHS Flower Show Tatton Park boasts a reputation as the UK’s most innovative garden show and the Flowerbed Competition promises not to disappoint. Judging will be based on the creative, technical quality and overall impact of the flowerbeds and will take place the day before the show opens.'