Residents across Slough are being encouraged to get growing as the borough’s annual Slough in Bloom competition returns for its 32nd year.
The popular gardening and allotment competition, which has been celebrating local horticultural talent since 1994, officially launched in May at Herschel Park.
The then-Mayor of Slough, Cllr Siobhan Dauti, joined members of the Slough in Bloom committee for the launch, marking the start of this year’s search for the borough’s best gardens, allotments and community green spaces.
Organisers say the 2026 competition will focus on creative and environmentally friendly gardening projects that not only enhance the appearance of neighbourhoods but also support wildlife and biodiversity.
The competition is free to enter and is open to residents, businesses, schools and community groups.
Entrants can choose from nine categories, including residential front gardens, hanging baskets and containers, community projects, student projects, environmental initiatives and allotments.
Entries will remain open until June 27, with judging due to begin in early July.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Dauti said she was pleased to see the competition return for another year.
“It was my pleasure to take a walk in the glorious sunshine to Herschel Park to help launch the Slough in Bloom competition,” she said.
“There is a category for everyone, from residential front gardens to community projects or best allotment plot.
“Anyone can enter for free, just send an email to sloughinbloom@gmail.com. I look forward to seeing a brighter, more colourful Slough in the upcoming months. Good luck to all of our green fingered residents who enter.”
Phil Vance, chair of Slough in Bloom, said the competition aimed to strengthen community pride while bringing colour and life to the borough’s streets and neighbourhoods.
“I am absolutely delighted to be bringing Slough in Bloom to the residents of Slough for 2026,” he said.
“I wish every entrant a wonderful and rewarding growing season, and I cannot wait to see how our community brings colour to Slough.”
Mr Vance also paid tribute to the late Margaret Inniss, who helped lead and nurture the competition for more than three decades.
An online entry form is available through the Slough in Bloom website, and organisers are encouraging anyone with a passion for gardening to get involved.
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