LAST year Oxford in Bloom came of age on its 21st birthday. Now organisers are calling for a bumper crop of entries for 2010.

Once again, the search is on for the city’s best-kept gardens.

The contest is open to all residents and businesses in the city boundary, with the closing date for entries on July 10.

For the second year running, the city council has decided not to take part in the national Britain in Bloom contest due to a lack of funds.

Even though Oxford will not be competing against other towns and cities, organisers hope they will get more entries than last year for Oxford in Bloom, which is backed by the city council and the Oxford Mail.

Oxford in Bloom chairman Karen Roberts said: “It’s a shame Oxford isn’t entering Britain in Bloom but hopefully we will be back in it next year.

“The standard of entries in Oxford in Bloom last year was very high. We got about 600 and we would like 10 per cent more this year if possible.

“We had quite a few new entries last year and I know some people look at their gardens and think they’re not good enough but they should have a go because they could end up winning something.”

Betty Fletcher, of Stockleys Road, Northway, who won the gold award in last year’s disabled entrant category, said: “I ‘ve got about 600 plants and I’ve just started potting them.

“I would love to enter Oxford in Bloom again this year, because I love the competition, but I’ve got arthritis so getting around is a problem. What I need is a volunteer to help me so that I can compete for a prize again.”

Categories include best kept small front garden, best kept large front garden, most beautiful hanging basket, most florally attractive window box and under-11 planter.

There are also categories in the business section, including best schools environment project, and organisers are hoping shops, factories, pubs and offices will enter.

The official launch is at Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday.

Ms Roberts added: “Our judges Trish Stephens and John Alcock will be there to advise people about their entries and demonstrate how to plant up hanging baskets.

“Children can plant a sunflower and then take it home and watch it grow.

“With the current economic climate some people are staying at home more and it’s a good time to take pride in your garden.

“Hopefully it will be a good summer this year – we are definitely due one.”

Judging will take place in the week beginning Monday, July 19, with the winners announced at a presentation evening on Thursday, September 16 at Roman Way Sports and Social Club.

  • To find out how to take part, see Friday’s Oxford Mail for an eight-page Oxford in Bloom supplement.