The focus was primarily on our volunteer advisors and sponsors – a ‘semi-social’ event to kick start their season for visiting gardens. Various displays featured the ‘special’ award categories including: Garden with the Best Buzz (sponsored by Bumblebee Conservation Trust); Best Dragon Garden (sponsored by Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group); Best Garden for Bats (sponsored by Kent Bat Group); Best Garden for Hedgehogs (sponsored by Kent Mammal Group); and our new category for 2017 - ‘Best Garden for Wild Birds’ sponsored by Unipet International.

The Trust’s Maureen Rainey, said: “During the spring and early summer, our dedicated volunteer gardening advisors will have visited as many entrants as possible to recommend gardens for a variety of awards as well as giving out useful advice. It’s not too late to enter your garden, but hurry, the closing date will be 30th June.

“A full report on the winners will be published on our website following our big celebration event to which all entrants will be invited. This year’s celebration will take place at Canterbury College during Wild about Gardens Week on 26th October. Our guest speaker will be “The people’s gardener” - Jim Buttress.”