WITH Chelsea and Malvern Flower shows over for another year west Dorset gardeners can get their own hard work recognised in this year's

Melplash Agricultural Society Garden and Allotment Competition – the most prestigious amateur garden competition in the area.

There are classes for small, medium and large gardens as well as for allotments.

Green fingered residents within 12 miles radius of Melplash Church, not employing a gardener for more than eight hours per week, can enter for free. Entries close on Wednesday June 14 at 5pm.

The team of judges, Jason Smith and Nicola Darby, selected from last year’s winners, will visit all the gardens entered on either Tuesday June 20 or Wednesday June 21.

A prize is given to the best in each category and The Alfie Parker and Jimmy Watts Memorial Cup is awarded to the best overall garden. The prizes will be awarded at the Melplash Show on Thursday August 24.

Last year's winners and this year's judges Bridport Primary school teaching assistant Nicola Darby, with partner Jason Smith have worked hard for years improving their garden in Mangerton.

Life-long gardener Nicola - who had her grandfather, uncle and father for horticultural inspiration, Nicola said theirs was a very traditional cottage garden and the judges loved its nooks and crannies, its design and use of colour.

Nicola will be in her element as judge as she says she loves to visit other people's gardens. Her own passion is for roses and her main inspiration comes from Mottisfont near Southampton which holds the national collection for old roses.

As a TA at Bridport Primary she is thrilled to have done a lot with the children to pass on her love of gardening she said.

Entry is free, and the application form is available to download from melplashshow.co.uk where you can also enter online, or can be collected from the show office at 23, South Street, Bridport DT6 3NT 01308 423337