TIME is running out for gardeners to put themselves forward for this year’s Oxford in Bloom contest.

The deadline for entries for the Oxford Mail-backed competition is Sunday.

As well as categories for everything from large gardens and containers, to hanging baskets and balconies, organisers have also been encouraging to get businesses and schools on board.

Schools entries closed last week but businesses, universities, colleges and ordinary members of the public still have a chance to get involved.

South Oxford Bowls Club, in Sunningwell Road, has been entered in the small commercial category.

The club has been taking part in the contest since 2000 and has a small haul of certificates and awards for its beautifully kept grounds.

Green liaison officer Keith Clarke keeps the area looking green and pristine with the help of a team of six people.

He said: “Last year we didn’t do very well – but this year, if the sun shines and everything grows as it should, hopefully we will do well.

“At the moment it looks very nice.”

The club has two bowling greens, edged by two flower borders. A burst of colour around the edges of the green is provided by dahlias, roses, yucca plants and a selection of bedding plants.

Mr Clarke said: “I think it’s something that should spread a bit further out, maybe as far as Kennington, where I live.

“It is a good thing to encourage people to do more work in their gardens. There’s one or two people I know that enter it in Sunningwell Road and when you go round their houses, you can see they’re making the effort, it’s quite noticeable.”

He said the team cared for the greens and beds as they would their own back gardens – with keeping weeds down a top priority.

Mr Clarke said: “We do want it to look nice for the judges in a couple of weeks’ time, but we also feel we are being judged every weekend whenever people come to play here.”

He said one of the people who started Oxford in Bloom was a member of the club and encouraged them to enter the contest.

Oxford Mail deputy editor Sara Taylor said: “More and more people are coming forward and entering their gardens as we get closer to the entry deadline, but it’s still not too late.

“If you have been working hard in the garden this spring and summer and think your blooms are up there with the best of them, it’s well worth taking part.

“Who knows, you could be walking away with a trophy come judging day.”