The gardening competition is back for 2026!

Get ready - this year's gardening competition is bursting onto the scene with brand‑new categories, supersized prizes, and an extended growing period. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or planting your very first seed, 2026 is your moment to grow something truly spectacular.

Open from 1 April 2026 until 31 July 2026, judging in early August.

 Categories

  • decide which category you would like to enter
  • take photographs of your garden or outside space (no more than six)
  • send us your category choice, photographs and full name, address, and telephone number

Wildlife haven - celebrating outdoor spaces where nature thrives and wildlife wanders

Home grown harvest - honouring the growers of thriving edible gardens

Little but lovely - proof that even the smallest spaces (including balconies and windowsills) can impress

Growing together - recognising neighbours who build community through gardening and teamwork

Mini growers - championing young gardeners and first-timers taking their very first steps

Garden of the year - our highest honour - celebrating the standout garden that inspires, uplifts and brings joy to all

The people's petal - voted for by residents -the garden that blooms in everyone's hearts

You can enter the competition by emailing your entry to residentengagement@arun.gov.uk. If you would like to enter but are not able to take photographs or email your entry, please call us on 01903 737763 and we may be able to help you.

Prizes include:

  • mystery vouchers  
  • luxurious hampers
  • handcrafted treasures
  • native plant bundles
  • elegant garden decor
  • exclusive workshops
  • horticultural outings
  • artisan-made bee and bug hotels
  • cosy afternoon tea experiences
  • wildlife explorer goodies
  • stylish planters
  • artist-created illustrations
  • enchanting solar lights
  • mini greenhouse kit

Why your garden matters

Gardening isn't just a hobby; it helps protect our climate and support wildlife. UK gardens store huge amounts of carbon, provide homes for key species, cool neighbourhoods, reduce flood risk, and strengthen nature's recovery.

By entering this year's competition, you're not just growing something beautiful, you're boosting biodiversity, building climate resilience, and helping create a greener community.

Competition rules

  1. Entrants must be Arun District Council residents or leaseholders.
  2. The judge's decision is final.
  3. The closing dates and times for entries are as indicated in the competition information. Any entries received after the closing date of the competition will be invalid and will not be entered in the competition.
  4. The prize is as stated, and no alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable.
  5. There is no minimum age limit unless specified otherwise in the competition information. However, entrants under the age of 18 must provide contact details of a parent or guardian when entering.
  6. The winner agrees to the use of their name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner, or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current (UK) data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant's prior consent.
  7. The winner will be notified by email and/or letter.
  8. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.