RHS and BBC The One Show community gardening competition returns for a fourth year

The RHS and BBC The One Show will celebrate the power of community gardening once more as their Growing Together Award returns for the fourth year running.

Nominations are now open for a two week period having been launched by Angellica Bell on tonight’s show (Monday 15th June, 7pm). The winner and runners up will be revealed on The One Show in the autumn.

The Growing Together Award aims to shine a light on the valuable work being carried out by community gardening groups across the nation, celebrating those who have transformed underused or derelict outdoor spaces into thriving community green spaces, bringing people of all different backgrounds and abilities together in the process.

Last year’s winners, Rowlands Dell, impressed competition judges with their transformation of a former abandoned quarry in the centre of Maghull, Merseyside. The Friends of Maghull and District CIC group transformed the space over 18 months, clearing over 300 bin bags of litter and planting 10,000 flowering bulbs and 3,000 trees. Belonging to the neighbouring NHS medical centre, the space is now used for regular gardening sessions, visits from local school and Scout groups, and for referrals via green social prescribing.

Guy Barter, RHS Chief Horticulturist, said: “Community gardens are powerful hubs of connection, creativity, and shared purpose. We are delighted to once again be able to highlight the exceptional work being carried out by the many dedicated groups who nurture these spaces.”

Angellica Bell, BBC The One Show presenter said: “As a garden lover myself, I know community gardens don’t only provide spaces to connect to nature, but places to bond with your neighbours too. What they can offer is far beyond gardening, so it’s really exciting that The One Show are teaming up with the RHS for a fourth year running to celebrate the incredible people behind these green havens.”

The competition comes as research from the RHS reveals that over 2.5 million UK adults garden in their community and 85% cite bringing the community together as their chief motivation.1

Applications are open until Sunday 28th June at 23:59hrs via the RHS website. The winner of the competition will receive £1000 in National Garden Gift Vouchers, whilst two runners up will receive £100 each in vouchers to support their work.

For more information on community gardening visit the RHS website.