Gardeners across the city are getting ready for the final push to make their gardens, hanging baskets and floral displays ready for the judges at this year's Oxford in Bloom competition, sponsored by the Oxford Mail.

Judging for the competition starts on July 23, but it is not too late to enter any of the 22 different categories.

We have been following the progress of the winners of last year's "best previous winner" category, Clive and Betty Mitchell, in their garden in Windale Avenue, Blackbird Leys.

Here is Mr Mitchell's final instalment before the judging commences.

We have just completed three weeks of planting out bedding plants and filling up containers and baskets.

We have held back a few spares in trays in case of failures and a few plants have rotted off and needed replacing.

The rain has been sufficient to keep the soil moist, so just containers and baskets have needed watering - in addition to the weekly feed for all plants.

The weeds are still germinating so the hoe gets regularly used.

I fed the lawn two weeks ago and the fertiliser has kicked in so grass is growing well and has greened up. I am having to mow twice a week at present.

The taller plants will soon need support with canes and ties.

I am keeping an eye out for pests. Blackfly have already infected my dahlias, and greenfly the roses, so they have needed spraying.

I am also checking for fungal infections and spraying where necessary.

It is time now to start planning for next year. We are going to Gardeners' World Live Show this weekend where there will be a chance to get ideas for next year.

We normally come away with a boot full of new plants.

Last year I bought some bonsai trees to add to my collection, they are due to be pruned again shortly.

Last summer we went to an open day at a plant supplier's field trial grounds. They had hanging baskets planted up with trailing begonias so we are trying some this year.

It will soon be time for our gardens to be judged so we wish all entrants the best of luck in this year's competition.