BEAUTIFUL gardens and floral displays across County Durham are vying for the public’s vote this month.
Entries for the Garden Treasures contest are now closed and now members of the public are being called on to help choose the winners.
Organised by Durham County Council’s civic pride team, the competition encouraged residents to share pictures of their beautiful outdoor spaces and describe what they mean to them. They were also asked to explain how gardening has helped them through the lockdown.
A wealth of wonderful entries flooded in and the team now faces the tough job of choosing a winner for each category. They are also calling on the public to help identify the winner of the people’s choice award.
Due to the high volume of entries, the top three in each category have been selected and uploaded onto the team’s Instagram page www.instagram.com/civicpridedurham/ for a public vote.
To take part, people should ‘like’ their favourite picture before midnight on Thursday.
The winners in each category and the public vote will be informed the next day and will receive a £30 National Garden Voucher.
The categories are: garden, either front or back, yard area, floral containers, including baskets, tubs and troughs, children’s garden area and most improved.
Councillor Brian Stephens, the council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Whether you are lucky enough to have a garden, balcony or even a window box, growing flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables can do wonders for our mental health. I am sure it was a source of great joy and comfort to many residents during the lockdown.
“Our Garden Treasures competition celebrates the difference flowers and outdoor spaces can make to our lives and we were amazed to receive so many fantastic entries. I would like to encourage everyone to get involved by voting for their favourites over the next month. It may give you inspiration for your own gardens.”
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