Judging Criteria

RCiB’s team of judges are drawn from the local community. We have keen gardeners, previous award winners and people passionate about the environment. All of them are looking forward to seeing the bountiful joys you have produced in your gardens!

Hanging Baskets and Containers: Only one hanging basket or one container will be judged at each property. You will need to identify the container or basket you want judged with a label. If this is not apparent during the Judges visit and there is more than container or basket on site, it will not be possible to judge your entry.

In each category the judges will be looking at these seven different elements:

Conservation & biodiversity

Do you have bug hotels, a pond or a managed wild area, to create alternative habitats for wildlife? Do you think about your garden as part of the cycle of nature?

Composting

Do you have a compost heap? What can you put in it? How do you manage your heap? Do you spread the contents over your garden in the Autumn?

Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle

Do you reuse or repurpose plant pots and containers? Do you look for second hand items that others are offering? Remember, junk to one can be treasure to another!

Watering

Have you got a rainwater butt or do you collect grey water for the garden? How often do you use a hose pipe?

Shrubs and perennials versus bedding plants

Have you thought about using more sustainable shrubs and perennials, rather than buying bedding plants? Do you collect seeds at the end of season for next year?

Creativity

Show us something a bit different. The judges value thinking outside the box to adapt to the resources available to you or to create something beautiful.

Appropriate maintenance

Have you researched how best to use the space you have and what the right maintenance is for your type of garden?

Judging criteria may change from year to year. Please check this page regularly for updates.