Garden competition returns with butterfly theme

A gardening competition in Surrey has returned this year centred around the theme of butterflies and moths.

Guildford in Bloom will see green-fingered residents and businesses competing to showcase their talents.

The show's theme aims to highlight severely declining numbers of butterflies reported in the UK in 2024, organisers said.

Entries for the event are open and will close on 22 June.

The event will see Guildford in Bloom team up with Butterfly Conversation Surrey and encourage gardeners to create habitats that will attract butterflies and moths.

Paul Spooner, chairman of Guildford in Bloom, said: "This competition offers a unique opportunity for residents to showcase their gardening skills and contribute to the conservation of these vital pollinators."

The charity Butterfly Conservation said in September that there had been a "hugely concerning" decline in butterfly numbers of almost 50% - the lowest figures in the 14-year history of its survey.

The 2025 competition will also feature a new balcony category to promote residents living in blocks of flats to get involved.

Additional categories include themed gardens, pubs and businesses in bloom and young gardeners aged between 11 and 21.

Guildford's Schools in Bloom competition will also return with the same butterflies and moths theme.

Residents and businesses can enter via the Guildford in Bloom website with a deadline for most categories of 22 June.

Guildford Schools in Bloom entries close on 25 May.

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