Ruxley in Bloom Annual Gardening Competition
Please note: All entries are now closed
Welcome to Ruxley in Bloom, the annual gardening competition previously run by Bexley Council and now under the management of Ruxley Manor. Ruxley in Bloom is as much about people as it is about plants and gardening.
Founded on the principle that brightening up our outdoor spaces is good for us all, the competition gives individuals and local communities an opportunity to work together to bring about change.
You can read more about last years winners at the bottom of this page.
A Little About Ruxley in Bloom 2023...
With the difficult years behind us now, we can all agree that many of us have invested plenty of time into our gardens over the past few years and they’re all as beautiful as ever. At Ruxley Manor we’re proud to host Ruxley in Bloom and get the opportunity to view the many beautiful gardens, allotments and containers in the area that enter!
This year’s competition opens once again and gives those in the area the chance to get back out in the garden or to make an even bigger display in their outdoor space. Whether you’re a budding or hardy gardener, Ruxley in Bloom is for anyone and everyone.
With a range of categories to choose from this year – and many new ones! There is a category to suit everybody, and we encourage everyone to give our gardening competition a go.
For our local schools, we’ve added a brand new category to enter alongside out existing Planted Container category – our NEW Best School Allotment categories aim is to encourage schools and their pupils to dig deep and transform an allotment.
We hope to see many faces this year, old and new as we head into another wonderful gardening season! And back again for another year to head up our judging panel is Jim Buttress, former Royal Gardener and Horticultural Judge on the BBC TV’s The Big Allotment Challenge.
The Categories FOR 2023 Are:
Residential
Best Front Garden – Seasonal or Permanent
Best Back Garden
Business & Community
Best Business – Garden/Container(s) Display
Best Community Garden
Allotments
Best Allotment Plot Full Size
Best Allotment Plot Half Size
Best New Comer (Under 3 Years)
Best Overall Allotment
🌷 The Golden Trowel Award 🌷
The Ruxley Manor Golden Trowel Award is for someone in the community has gone above and beyond to create beautiful outdoor spaces for themselves and those around them.
To nominate someone who has made a difference please email inbloom@ruxley-manor.co.uk, include your details, the details of your nominee and the reason you are nominating them. The winner will be decided by Andrew and James Evans, Directors of Ruxley Manor.
Entry Information
All Entries Opening Soon
Main Awards
As previous years, there will be two ways to enter the main awards this year (please only choose one):
For those who would like to visited by the judges from The London Gardens Society you will need to register your entry through our entry forms by 30th June 2023. Please note if you choose to be visited by one of our judges for our Best Back Garden category, you will need to provide them with access to your back garden. Where appointments are not required (for front garden and business entries), you will receive a postcard through your letterbox stating that judging has taken place, the judges will not require you to be present.
For those who would not like to be visited by the judges we will be making available again our picture entries. You will need to register your picture entry form by 7th August 2023. You will then be required to email 3 photographs (per category entered) to inbloom@ruxley-manor.co.uk which will be given to the judges during the judging period 17th July – 14th August.
School Awards (entries now closed)
We will not be offering in-person judging to school entries, please register your Themed Contained or School Allotment using our entry form by 25th May 2023. You will then be required to submit your 3 photographs (per category entered) via email to inbloom@ruxley-manor.co.uk to be passed onto the judges for the school judging period.
The Golden Trowel (entries now closed)
For all Golden Trowel nominations, please email inbloom@ruxley-manor.co.uk and include your details, the details of your nominee and the reason you are nominating them. The closing date for The Golden Trowel nominations is 30th June 2023.
PLEASE NOTE, THE JUDGES’ DECISION IS FINAL.
Entry Deadlines & Judging Dates
Entry Closing Dates
Main Awards
In-Person Judging Entry – 30th June 2023
Photo Judging Entry – 7th August 2023
School Awards
Photo Judging Entry- 25th May 2023
There will be no in-person judging for schools, please see above for entry information.
The Golden Trowel Award
Nominations – 30th June 2023
Judging Dates
Main Judging Dates
The main judging dates will take place between 17th July – 14th August. Our judges will not make their presence known to you unless they require you to grant access to the premises.
If you do not have side access and do not want an in-person visit please register your picture entry using the form by 7th August 2023. You will then need to submit your 3 photographs (per category entered) via email to inbloom@ruxley-manor.co.uk your photographs will then be given to the judges during the judging period 17th July – 14th August.
ruxley in bloom prizes
Schools (Themed Container & Allotment)
1st Place – Trophy & £50 Ruxley Manor Voucher
2nd Place – £40 Ruxley Manor Voucher
3rd Place – £30 Ruxley Manor Voucher
Residential (Back Garden & Front Garden)
🌷 1st Place – Trophy & £100 Ruxley Manor Voucher
🌷 2nd Place – £50 Ruxley Manor Voucher
🌷 3rd Place – £30 Ruxley Manor Voucher
Best Allotment Plot
🌷 1st Place – Trophy & £100 Ruxley Manor Voucher
🌷 2nd Place – £50 Ruxley Manor Voucher
🌷 3rd Place – £30 Ruxley Manor Voucher
Best Allotment Plot (Half Size & New Comer)
1st Place – Trophy & £50 Ruxley Manor Voucher
2nd Place – £40 Ruxley Manor Voucher
3rd Place – £30 Ruxley Manor Voucher
BEST OVERALL ALLOTMENT SITE
1st Place – £120 Ruxley Manor Voucher
2nd Place – £80 Ruxley Manor Voucher
3rd Place – £40 Ruxley Manor Voucher
Business & Community
🌷 1st Place – Trophy & £100 Ruxley Manor Voucher
🌷 2nd Place – £50 Ruxley Manor Voucher
🌷 3rd Place – £30 Ruxley Manor Voucher
The Golden Trowel Award
🌷 Golden Trowel & £100 Ruxley Manor Voucher
All vouchers are Ruxley Manor vouchers and are redeemable against products for sale throughout the garden centre all year round. Not redeemable in The Mulberry Tree. All entries will receive a certificate, Judges’ decision is final.
