GARDENERS will be reaching for their pruning shears and dibbers with the news that the 2011 Oxford in Bloom competition has been launched.

The search for the city’s best kept gardens, which is backed by the Oxford Mail, is now in its 25th year.

Local gardeners, schools and businesses can all enter the competition to win prizes for the best containers, hanging baskets, balconies and front and back gardens.

Prizes also go to the best pub and guest houses gardens, as well as the best young, disabled and new gardeners.

Entrants are judged on the colour, impact, tidiness, and maintenance of their gardens, as well as the arrangement and design behind the planting.

Lord Mayor of Oxford John Goddard said: “Last year I gave out the prizes, and was impressed with the huge enthusiasm of the people that were there, whether they won the prizes or not.

“They were all really proud of what they had done and I’m sure it makes the place look and feel better.

“It is a very worthwhile enterprise and for it to be in its 25th year shows what a tremendously constructive enthusiasm gardening can be.”

The competition usually attracts some 600 entries.

Last year’s winner of the best large front garden prize, Jayne Payne, from Burchester Avenue, Barton, said: “It is getting tougher each year. The standard is getting higher, and I really did not expect to win the gold cup last year. It is very competitive now.”

Each year, she transforms her garden with up to 60 hanging baskets.

She has spent the Easter weekend preparing for the competition.

Mrs Payne, 55, added: “You have to come up with new ideas every year.

“I’m going to put red and pink flowers around the pond, but I will also be going for some new plants, including black saffron and new petunias.

“In Barton, everybody come up and says how nice it is for the area and how much they like it. I take an awful lot of pride, and I keep the cups very brightly polished.”

Other winners last year included St Christopher’s C of E Primary School, Magdalen College, Headington Bowls Club and the Head of the River pub.

Schools must enter by July 2, with other applications accepted until July 10.

The winners will be announced at an award ceremony at Roman Way Sports and Social Club, Roman Way on Thursday, September 15.