Cash prizes to be won as SNG customers invited to showcase budding green spaces
Budding gardeners and gardening groups from across London, South East, South West and East of England are once again being invited to showcase their green space and gardening creativity by entering SNG’s In Bloom gardening competition.
With the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) claiming that 81% of British adults agree that gardens and green spaces benefit their physical health, the In Bloom gardening competition is back for 2025. It is open to any SNG customer or group of customers to apply, including those living in a flat or apartment.
In Bloom is part of our Living Together programme; a community investment scheme that strives to reduce minor anti-social behaviour and bond communities together through a range of support, funding and resources. The Living Together Programme is made up of three themes: Innovate, Befriend and the In Bloom gardening competition.
The purpose of the competition is to foster greater community spirit and provide an extra incentive for customers to invest time into their gardens, learn more about gardening and nature, and share great ideas. It’s open to everyone regardless of space, size or ability. From private gardens to allotments, hanging baskets, balcony arrangements and shared community spaces, we want to hear from all residents wanting to share and celebrate their efforts.
As a housing association which invests more than £3.5m in the communities where we work each year, green spaces of all shapes and sizes are a vital part of SNG’s thriving communities’ vision. Statistics from the HTA show just important green spaces are for our wellbeing too. According to their research, 85% of British adults agree that gardens benefit their state of mind.
This year’s competition has four categories. These are Home Garden in Bloom, Thriving Community Garden, Small Garden Innovator and finally Sustainable Garden Innovator for those going above and beyond to enhance factors such as wildlife, grow their own food or making use of recycled materials.
Across each category a £200, £100 and £50 Amazon voucher is up for grabs for the first, second and third place entries. The judging panel includes an SNG customer, our CEO Mark Washer as well as members of our Community Investment team and forthcoming Community Foundation. As part of this, we will invest £100m over the next decade across its communities.
Last year over £2.4k was awarded and this year those in first place in each category will also benefit from a free professional photoshoot taken in their garden at the end of August. They’ll also be a further prize draw to recognise the efforts of those who have entered the competition.
After winning in the Sustainable Garden category last year, Berkshire-based SNG customer Michelle Plummer said: “I was grateful to win the competition, it was a lovely surprise and what a great idea from SNG. I am very proud of the garden. It has developed over many years, and I always have ideas to further enhance it. This award is such a nice way for it to be recognised, thank you.”
Marta Rios, Community Investment and Partnerships Manager at SNG said: “As part of our comprehensive community investment offering, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our customer’s wellbeing and create strong, thriving communities – so we’re delighted to be running the In Bloom competition, which is now in its second year. Gardening really can enhance our wellbeing, bring communities together and allow us to create environments we can all be proud of.
“The SNG In Bloom competition is a great way to achieve this and celebrate the dedication and effort our customers put in to enhance where they live.”
For further information, including information on the four categories and details of how to apply, head to our head over to our webpage. Applications close on 31 July 2024 at 5pm