WHEN it comes to competitions, your community-conscious Citizen Newspaper is leading the pack.

And our latest contest is the best so far.

We are giving you the chance to prove that your garden grows better than the rest - and scoop great cash prize.

It's time to put your green-fingered talents to the test and enter our Glorious Garden Competition for 1998.

We have teamed up with one of the best garden centres in the North West, Barton Grange Garden Centre for the competition which has in the past attracted entries from across Lancashire and has gripped the imagination of gardeners across the region.

The contest has four different classes and there will be first, second and third place in each category:

Over 500 sq yds

250 to 500 sq yds

Under 250 sq yds

Back yards

There is also a special award for the Best Pub Garden.

And to give you a head start, here's what the judges are looking for:

The 'wow' factor - would you want to dig this garden up and take it home, or just dig it up?

Best use of space - sometimes the best things come in small packages

All year round interest - will it be stunning in winter?

Use of colour - vibrant, or restful?

Lawns - bowling green or summer meadow?

Pathways and perimeters - well-maintained and blending with the overall ambience

Health and vitality - big, bouncy bloomers or wizened weeds?

Wildlife and conservation - is the garden 'politically correct'?

Amenities - we all have them, but are yours hidden? (Washing lines, dustbins, swings, etc)

Creativity - that extra 'something' which shows a true gardener.

There will be a gala presentation evening in September when the winners will be announced.

So, get out your camera and let us see your glorious garden. There are £100s in prize monies ready to be won and the judges are ready and waiting!

RULES:

1.Competition is open to anyone, excluding employees of Newsquest (Lancashire) and Barton Grange Group.

2.A maximum of three photographs may be submitted for display at the presentation evening.

3.Each photograph must have name and address printed on the reverse.

4.The Citizen Newspaper reserves the right to publish any photography submitted.

5.Only photographs submitted with SAE will be returned.

6.All entries must be received by Saturday 21.7.98.

7.Judging will be completed by 05.09.98 - all gardens will be visited.

8.The judges' decision is final.

9.Winners will not be announced before the presentation evening, held at Barton Grange Hotel at 7.30pm on 10.09.98.

10.All entrants are entitled to two free tickets for the presentation ceremony and buffet. Additional tickets are available at £5 each (cheques payable to Barton Grange Garden Centre Ltd)

NOTE: Tickets are only issued on request as indicated on entry form. Admission by ticket only.

11.The top three entries in each class will receive Barton Grange Garden Gift Vouchers as below: 1st, £100; 2nd, £50; 3rd £25.

12.All entries must be returned to Hazel Lowe, at Marketing and Training Co-ordinator, Barton Grange Garden Centre Ltd, Garstang Road, Barton, Preston, PR3 5AA.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.