Budding Neighbourhoods 2021 is here!

Today, we've launched our brand-new ‘Budding Neighbourhoods’ Awards to celebrate green-fingered residents.

You can win up to £25 in vouchers by uploading an image in one of three award categories, which showcases your planting and growing efforts in their home and/or garden.

The categories are: A Brew and My View, which allows residents to show off their planting efforts (both outside and inside) while enjoying a cuppa; My Garden Harvest, focusing on customers who have grown their own food items and Garden Genius, highlighting the inventive ways residents have recycled or re-used items in their garden.

The online-only competition will run from today, Monday 9 August 2021 until 5pm on Friday 20 August and has replaced the our annual ‘Growing Together’ gardening competition.

Emma Cafferky, our Stronger Communities Manager, said: “We’re delighted to launch Budding Neighbourhoods this year as it’s a way to really showcase some of the fantastic things our customers are doing in their gardens and homes.

“Our new awards concept shifts the focus from just gardens so the competition is more inclusive of all our communities – including those customers who might not have an outdoor area. By creating opportunities to celebrate growing food and re-using items, we’re also helping to promote sustainable living which is a big part of our future here at FCHO.”

We want to see as many entries as possible! Entries can be made via completing a form and uploading images on our website www.fcho.co.uk/BuddingNeighbourhoods.

If you need support with digital submissions, email our Stronger Communities team at ci@fcho.co.uk or call 0161 393 7117.

Emma added “After a tough 18 months, being out in the garden or channelling your inner creativity in your home can really help wellbeing and anything that improves our customers’ quality of life something we’re keen to support.

“It’s not about being the biggest or the best, and it’s certainly not about who has spent the most money. It’s about having a go, using your imagination, thinking outside the box, being thrifty (especially in the Garden Genius category) and being proud of your achievements in your communities.”

The winners will be contacted in September and winning images shared on our website and social media channels. Good luck to all.