IF YOU'RE the ace of azaleas, or big on begonias, organisers of this year's Floral York Awards want to know about you.

The awards kick off this weekend with an invitation from City of York Council's leisure office for anyone or any business with a nice line in fancy florals to get in touch.

The competition, previously held under the banner of York in Bloom, will be judged by John Coombes, of the council's horticultural team, and a small team of volunteers comprising professional horticulturists, former competition winners and experienced amateur gardeners.

John said: "The pundits say the summer weather will be great this year, which should mean a bumper show of flowers.

"Now is the time to get cracking on your garden, basket or tub displays. Having made the effort for yourself, why not enter the competition, and share your results with our friendly judging team?

"You'll maybe get your name up in lights and, as a bonus, our experts can also give you helpful advice if you need it.

Youngsters at Tregelles, the junior arm of The Mount School, in Dalton Terrace, York, have already started on their project to create a Japanese garden with the help of teacher Gillian Scott.

The school has been successful in the awards before, as has Mrs Scott for her individual efforts.

Tregelles Trowellers - the after-school gardening club - began its preparations last September. Girls and boys in Year 6 chose the Japanese "quiet garden" theme to suit their shady plot.

The younger children in Years 4 and 5 prepared the ground and planted the garden. Once completed it will incorporate bamboo, a river of slate, evergreen plants for year-round colour and a stone feature.

The competition has 15 categories to cater for different sizes of garden or business displays, giving as many people as possible a chance of success.

Winners in the residential categories get a trophy to keep for a year and a framed certificate. Runners-up get a framed certificate, and there is a generous number of Highly Commended and Commended certificates up for grabs.

Winners in all categories will be invited to York Mansion House, to receive their award from the Lord Mayor and Sheriff.

All residential entrants need to complete an entry form, as will businesses outside the city walls.

All businesses within the walls will be automatically judged. There is no need for them to complete a form unless the garden is especially well-hidden.

You can get an entry form from the YORtime Shop at 18 Back Swinegate, York, or at branch libraries in and around the city, or from York Leisure Office, tel 01904 553368 or 553380.

The closing date for entries is Friday, June 29, and judging will take place between the second and fourth weeks in July.

Updated: 10:23 Saturday, June 09, 2001