Redbridge in Bloom - Amateur Gardening Competition

Redbridge in Bloom

60 Years of Redbridge: Growing Together for Nature

Amateur Gardening Competition

This year’s Redbridge in Bloom marks the 60th anniversary of the London Borough of Redbridge, created in 1965 when Greater London was formed. Redbridge, like other boroughs, was established through the merging of smaller local authorities as part of the wider reorganisation of London government.

This year’s theme, ‘60 Years of Redbridge: Growing Together for Nature‘ links the borough’s anniversary with the LBR Restore Nature Pledge and Vision RCL’s community volunteering, focusing on gardening that supports biodiversity, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

Planet-Friendly Gardening

Redbridge in Bloom encourages and promotes gardening techniques that benefit our communities, wildlife, and the planet. This year Vision RCL is putting sustainability at the heart of gardening, mitigating the climate and biodiversity crises while tackling social issues like loneliness, obesity, and mental health.

Vision RCL is raising awareness of best gardening practices through our Volunteering sessions. Making small changes such as saving water, using peat-free soil, increasing wildlife-friendly habitats in our open outdoor spaces, and reducing surfaces that give rise to flooding can make a significant difference in achieving a Sustainable, Planet-Friendly Garden.

Categories

This year’s categories are:

  • Best Front Garden
  • Best Container Garden
  • Best Public House
  • Best Sheltered Housing / Residential Care Home
  • Best Community Display
  • Best School Gardening Project
  • Best Sustainable Planet-Friendly Garden
Pretty flowers, container garden

A Nature-Friendly Pledge

This year, we’re encouraging participants to adopt at least one nature-friendly pledge as part of their Redbridge in Bloom 2025 entry, drawn from the Restore Nature Pledge:

1. Plant More for Pollinators

Add flowering plants or fruit trees to provide food for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

2. Add Water Features

Include a bird bath, small pond, or shallow water bowl to support frogs, birds, and insects.

3. Go Pesticide Free

Avoid chemical pesticides—use companion planting or natural pest deterrents instead.

4. Ditch Artificial Grass

Remove plastic turf and replace it with real lawn, moss, or wildflowers to support soil health and wildlife.

5. Build a Bug Hotel

Create simple log piles, bee bricks, or insect hotels to offer shelter for pollinators and minibeasts.

6. Create a Hedgehog Highway

Make small (13×13 cm) gaps at the bottom of fences or garden borders to allow hedgehogs to travel safely.

7. Green Up Paved Areas

Convert driveways, paths, or patio edges into planted areas to reduce runoff and improve habitat.

8. Grow Your Own

Start growing herbs, fruit, or vegetables—especially using pesticide-free methods that support pollinators.

9. Compost at Home

Recycle food and garden waste to nourish soil and reduce landfill. Community composting options also count.

10. Volunteer in the Community

Take part in local conservation work, gardening groups, or community greening projects to extend your impact. – Volunteering in Parks and Open spaces • Vision RCL

Sign-up to the Competition!

Gardening, planting flower

Are you interested in entering your garden into the ‘Redbridge In Bloom’ competition? Please fill out the sign-up form below.

Submission end date: 31 May
Judging start date: 7–14 June

Blog

Don’t forget to read our blog for some sustainable gardening tips. We will guide you through the seasons with valuable insights and practical advice aimed at fostering a greener and more sustainable approach to gardening and daily practices.

Last Year’s Winners

Take a look at last year’s ‘Redbridge In Bloom’ winners, You may even find some inspiration for creating your own garden this year.