IT’S that time of year again when Lyme’s green-fingered residents get their plants and produce in order for the annual gardens competition.

The Lyme Regis in Bloom competition is being launched this week in partnership with the Lyme Regis News.

The entry form has been printed for the first time and the closing date for entries is Monday, July 15.

Regular judge Sydie Bones will view all the entries in the 10 categories on Thursday, July 18, and a second judge has yet to be named.

Last year the rain threatened to spoil the gardens, but the standard of entries remained high, said organiser Wendy Alexander.

She is hoping for more of the same for this year’s contest.

Mrs Alexander said: “The gardens are getting on quite well because I have had my eye on them. This last rush of sudden summer has brought them on quite well, only at the moment they have having a bit of a retard.

“But once they have started to grow they will continue alright.”

Mrs Alexander is particularly encouraging people to grow their own produce after last year’s wet weather meant there were no entries.

“We are trying to encourage everyone to grow their own produce, including children,” she said.

“Last year, because the weather was so rainy people didn't enter but there is still a cup to be won and even if plants are not top quality it is worth entering.”

Mrs Alexander is also keen to see more home produce entries from children.

She said: “Children are the up-and-coming generation and they need to know about growing.

“So many children don’t know much about vegetables and where food comes from and I think it’s important that they should know.

“Absolutely have a go, they will all be judged and we would be delighted if they do something.”

The 10 categories are: All businesses, Courtyard/patio gardens, Group gardens, Larger gardens, Smaller gardens, Window boxes and containers, Hanging baskets, Home produce in containers, Home produce in gardens, and Children's home produce.

Children's plots can be any shape with a maximum size of one metre or can be in containers.

For group entries, each house name or number must be indicated.

Completed entry forms are printed in this week's Lyme Regis News and must be returned to Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre at the address given.