MELPLASH Agricultural Society’s Annual Garden and Allotment Competition is an opportunity for all gardeners in west Dorset to get their hard work in the garden recognised.

It is open to anyone who has a garden or allotment within a 12-mile radius of Melplash village church, and is sponsored by Bridport- based William James & Co and Chedington Compost.

There are prizes for the best large, medium, small garden and the best allotment. First, second and third prizes and given in each category, as well as overall winner for the competition. The only stipulation is that the garden is designed and made by the entrant. If part-time help is employed it should be for no more than eight hours per week.

The criteria to be judged will be:

• Overall condition of the garden or allotment

• All around interest/cropping schemes

• Quality of crops, flowers, plants

• Originality of layout and planting

• Ingenuity in overcoming local problems

• Any special features

Judging this year is taking place over two days on June 16 and 17 and the winners of each category will be presented with their cups and prizes at the Melplash Agricultural Show on Thursday, August 25. Entries close on Monday, June 6.

Applications forms are available to download from www.melplashshow.co.uk