Dig in to green spaces prizes
Gardeners across Wearside could win cash prizes in a competition run by Gentoo.
The housing association has launched its sixth annual gardening competition called “Ready, Set, Grow” to encourage their green-fingered tenants, as well as community groups and schools, to share their green spaces.
With £200 cash prizes available for winning gardens, judges will be looking to recognise those who have pride in their home, neighbourhood and community.
This year the competition has categories best overall garden and best community/ school garden. For the first time the competition will be judged by other Gentoo tenants, alongside specialists from the group’s grounds maintenance department.
The judges will be looking for outdoor spaces that improvetheappearanceofneighbourhoods and show the hard work that’s taken place across Sunderland’s gardens.
The contest is being run by Gentoo along with two of their contractors; utility company Engie and construction firm Tolent. The Best Garden category is sponsored by Engie and open to all Gentoo tenants. Best Community/School GardenissponsoredbyTolent.
Last year’s Best Garden winners weree Christine and Derek Wilson from Hetton, whileagroupofresidentsinAyton were given the Best Neighbourhood Garden award.
All community groups and schools in Sunderland can enter the best community/ schoolgardencategory.Entries should be submitted before Friday,June18andjudgingwill take place from June 28. The winners will be announced shortly after.
Susie Thompson, director ofhousingatGentoo,said:“We know now more than ever just how important outdoor space is and through our annual gardening competition we want to reward those who have created beautiful outdoor spaces for people to enjoy.
“We welcome entries from people of all gardening abilities.”
Amy Porter, social value manager at Engie, said: “We’ve always been blown away by the quality of the gardens in the competition, and I’m sure this year’s event will be no exception.”
Chris Price, regional director for Tolent, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the team at Gentoo with this competition.”
Tofindoutmore,visitwww. gentoogroup.com/grow.