Over the last year there has been something of a garden revolution taking place, with many people taking to their gardens like never before. After a break last year due to Covid restrictions, Galway City Council is now taking entries for the Galway City Tidy Towns and Garden Competition 2021. Entrants must be based in Galway City and can enter across categories such as ‘Best Front Garden’, ‘Best Residential Estate’, ‘Best Shop-front’, ‘Best Community Project’ and ‘Best School’.
Speaking on the competition, Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council said gardening is one area which hasn’t been impacted by COVID-19, and in fact has seen a major surge in interest over the past 12 months since it offers a great way to get outdoors and keep active.
“Colourful and vibrant gardens, shop fronts and schools really add to the overall appearance of the city and through this competition we would like to reward people for all the hard work they put in. This year judges will be awarding marks for enhancing and promoting Biodiversity and pollinator friendly spaces,” he said.
“In line with Galway City Council’s objectives in the Biodiversity Action Plan and the National Pollinator Plan, from this year, gardeners are being asked to enhance their gardens and green spaces for wildlife and pollinating bees, birds and insects. For gardens and green spaces to be good for pollinators, they need to provide food in the form of flowers, shelter for nesting and safety from chemicals. Why not enter the competition and show off all that you have achieved in your garden over the last year?’’
There is new application procedure for 2021 - paper application forms will no longer be accepted and all applications must be completed electronically by visiting www.galwaycity.ie/tidy-towns-garden . More information on the competition, including the full list of competition categories, is also available via this link.
Completed applications should be submitted no later than the closing date of 4.00pm Friday May 28
