Are you a green-fingered Hackney resident proud of your perennials, or boastful of your begonias? Does your garden stand out from the rest?

If so, then why not enter this year’s Hackney in Bloom competition. It’s a free floral and environmental contest that gives local people the chance to show off their gardening skills, make the borough more attractive for residents and visitors, and increase awareness of the environment.

For the fourth year running, people tending all types of outside space can enter Hackney in Bloom. Categories this year include: Best Container Garden, Best Educational Garden, Best Business Premises, Best Community Garden, Best Residential Garden, Best Pub & Restaurant and Best Front Garden.

Councillor Nargis Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "This competition recognises the hard work and dedication of local people and businesses, whose displays help to beautify our borough. The Council hopes people will continue to get involved and support our efforts to make Hackney an even greener and more attractive place to live, work and visit."

The competition judges are keen to see imaginative use of flowers, shrubs, and display excellence, with marks awarded for colour, condition, quality of layout and overall impact.

For more information and entry forms email: parks@hackney.gov.uk or telephone 020 8356 8429. All entries must be received by Friday 20 June 2008.