Ards and North Down In Bloom

The Ards and North Down in Bloom initiative has been developed with three overlapping objectives which are: horticultural excellence, community participation and environmentally sustainable practices. These are in line with the objectives of Translink Ulster in Bloom and other regional awards schemes.

The Ards and North Down In Bloom Community Competitions are coordinated by Ards and North Down Borough Council. This community competition encourages everyone who lives or works in the Borough to think about their local environment and how attractive flowers, plants, trees and gardens can enhance it. By actively supporting this competition you will not only make your garden or business more attractive but also contribute to the Borough's entry to the Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition and other regional awards.

You can now enter online using the 2026 Online Entry Form: Ards and North Down In Bloom 2026  - Fill in form

Downloadable entry forms are also available below.

The Community Competition categories are:  

General Categories: 

1) Best Kept Front Garden 
2) Gardening for Wildlife Award 
3) Volunteer of The Year 
4) Best Kept Commercial Premises 
5) Best Kept Community Planting Scheme. 

Young People's (Entrants aged 16 and under) Categories:  

6) Best School Gardening Project   
7) Painting Competition  (Download the entry form below)
8) Tallest Sunflower Competition (Download the entry form below)
9) Young Volunteer of The Year 

Please note: To ensure fairness and encourage wider participation, previous winners may not win the same category more than three consecutive years.

Closing dates by category:

• Categories 1, 2, 4, 5 — Best Kept Front Garden, Gardening for Wildlife, Best Kept Commercial Premises, Best Community Planting Scheme: 30 July 2026
• Categories 3, 8, 9 — Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Tallest Sunflower: 1 September 2026
• Categories 6, 7 — Best School Gardening Project, Painting Competition

Volunteering 

There is a wide range of local 'in bloom' committees, wildlife groups and other environmental improvement opportunities in the Borough, we would be happy to put you in touch with your nearest group. Telephone 0300 013 3333. 

About Ards and North Down in Bloom 

Ards and North Down in Bloom's main purpose is to encourage and assist all stakeholders in the Ards and North Down area to increase their civic pride by visually enhancing the natural resources of the Borough. This involves improving the Borough for those who live and/or work in the Borough and visitors to the Borough through the implementation of four core objectives: 

• to increase environmental responsibility 
• to strive for horticultural excellence in public, business and residential areas 
• to encourage community participation 
• to support endeavours to achieve regional and national awards such as Ulster in Bloom 

To achieve these objectives, Ards and North Down in Bloom shall: 

• manage and promote an annual community horticultural competition and awards ceremony  
• provide a funding mechanism for local groups to carry out 'In Bloom' activities in their local areas 
• encourage the widest participation possible in all its activities by cooperating with other organisations and individuals 
• contribute to and encourage sustainable environmental improvements within the Borough 

For further information please contact us by Telephone 0300 013 3333 or email ANDParks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk