We are pleased to announce that this year’s Garden and Allotment Competition for Peterlee residents is now open for entries!
Following continued interest and to better reflect the wonderful green spaces across our area, we have introduced a new “Community Garden” category. This has been added to recognise and celebrate shared spaces that bring people together and contribute to the local environment.
The competition continues to welcome entries across a range of categories, and we encourage residents & community groups to take part.
Please take a moment to read through the information below, which includes details of the Judges, categories. Once you have reviewed this information, you can click the link provided to complete and submit your garden and/or allotment entry form.
Entry is completely FREE and what's more, you don't need to be an expert gardener!
We look forward to receiving your entries and celebrating the fantastic gardens and green spaces within our community.
Dates For Your Diary
Closing Date for Enrties Garden Judging Allotment Judging Presentation Lunch Fri 26 June 2026 Wed 8th July 2026 Thurs 9th July 2026 Thurs 16 July 2026
Judges
The Senior Neighbourhood Services Team
Garden Category Prizes
| Large Garden (over 50m2) | Small Garden (upto 50m2) | Paved Garden (75% paved or more) | Community Garden |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize - £100 | 1st prize - £50.00 | 1st prize - £50.00 | £60.00 - Best Overall Community Garden |
| 2nd £80.00 | 2nd Prize - £40.00 | 2nd Prize - £40.00 | £40.00 - Best inclusive garden (Designed or adapted for different abilities, mobility needs, or sensory engagement) |
| 3rd £50.00 | 3rd Prize - £20.00 | 3rd Prize - £20.00 | |
| 4th £20.00 | 4th Prize - £15.00 | 4th Prize - £15.00 | |
Where appropriate, all entries will also be considered for the following Award Categories (All prizes £10):
| Traditional Categories | Sustainability Categories |
|---|---|
| Best Hanging Basket | Best pollenating plants |
| Best Container | Best range of habitats for animals and birds |
| Best Garden Feature | Best use of composting materials |
| Best Themed Garden ( E.g. modern, sensory, nature, colour, fairy) | Best re-use of materials / object |
| Best first-time entry | |
| Best Improved Garden | |
| Judges Wildcard |
Allotment Prizes
| Full Plot | Half Plot | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize | £100.00 | £50.00 |
| 2nd Prize | £80.00 | £40.00 |
| 3rd Prize | £50.00 | £25.00 |
| 4th Prize | £30.00 | £15.00 |
| 5th Prize | £20.00 | £10.00 |
All prizes will be given in gift vouchers
Gardens entered into the judging will all receive a signed certificate to mark their entry
If there are any joint winners in any categories, prize vouchers will be shared equally between the winners