Blind Gardener of the Year 2008

Why not celebrate your skills by entering this year's Blind Gardener of the Year competition

This is our third search for the Nation's best blind gardeners and this year there are three competition categories, each with a first, second and third prize:

• Blind Gardener of the Year – recognising an all-round gardener with emphasis on the environment and sustainability
• Young Blind Gardeners of the Year – open to groups of gardeners under the age of 18
• Blind Gardening Club or Group of the Year – groups where the majority of people are blind or partially sighted.

Everyone who registers their interest will receive a competition pack including free gifts from Sutton Seeds and Wiggly Wigglers. Entries can be accepted in any format and can be written up by another person.

Marion Watts, who won the competition in 2006, says: “Gardening is one of my greatest pleasures and the Blind Gardener of the Year competition is a way of sharing our special approach to gardening.”

Competition prizes include garden goods and vouchers worth hundreds of pounds, from Sutton Seeds, Wiggly Wigglers and Chic Teak. As in previous years, the trophies have been designed and made by blind ex-service men and women from St Dunstan’s.

“We are looking to see how people achieve what they do in their garden and show how they have overcome particular obstacles,” says Nicola Carruthers, Chief Executive of Thrive. “I can tell you from past experience they never fail to amaze and inspire us.”

Bill Alker of RNIB said “The Blind Gardener of the year competition is a great opportunity for blind and partially sighted people of all ages to show just how accomplished they are when it comes to gardening.”

The competition is run by the National Blind Gardeners Club, a partnership project between Thrive and the Royal National Institute of the Blind People (RNIB).

For further information or to request your entry form, call Lucy Morrell or Sue Twigg at Thrive on 0118 988 5688 or email bgoty@thrive.org.uk