A portable lawn made of imitation grass was one of the charming things about Joan Smith's garden.

She has been the winner of the small back garden section of the York in Bloom Competition several times over and her ingenious idea (along with some stunning raised flower beds) is proof that anything goes.

York in Bloom '98, which is launched today, is again sponsored by The Evening Press and the City of York Council.

It is an integral part of the Evening Press Proud to be York Campaign, which aims to make the city a brighter and more colourful place all the year round. Private garden owners, businesses, shops, hotels, pubs and industrial premises will all get their chance to exhibit the fruits of their horticultural labours in the different sections of the contest.

John Coombes, outdoor events and allotments officer, who oversees the competition for the council, puts in an average of 13 hours a day for the two weeks that the judging takes place, but says he wouldn't change it.

"I love it. It is the high point of what I do," he said.

"It is a chance to share what they have done, to share their own pleasure.

"There will be no negative comments. We will look for the good in everything."

Whether you have a rambling five acres complete with water garden and hedge sculptures or a window box full of flowers, your entry will receive the same careful consideration from the panel.

The judges are top gardening experts, previous winners and organisers who will visit the gardens during the two weeks from July 6. Private gardens will be judged in the evenings.

Margaret and Chris Poole have been judging since the competition was first launched by the Evening Press. Mrs Poole said: "It is to beautify the city and make it look nice so that tourists come and spend their money.

"It gives people something to look forward to and you see all sorts of gardens that are hidden away from the public eye."

Robert Beaumont, Assistant to the Editor and co-ordinator of the Evening Press Proud to be York Campaign, said: "This year's York in Bloom competition should provide a tremendous boost for our Proud to be York Campaign.

"So, come on everybody, let's all work together to make this the best ever York in Bloom. Then we will all have a city to be proud of."

To enter, simply fill in the application form in the Evening Press and the team of judges will visit your garden some time during the two weeks from July 6.

The winners will be announced at the end of July and the awards ceremony will take place towards the end of August.

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