COMMUNITY groups are being invited to create their own pint-sized plot to showcase their work at one of the country’s top flower shows.

The new Pocket Gardens are being launched at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show in April, offering groups the chance to portray their work through plants for up to 60,000 visitors.

The one-metre square plots can follow any theme and style, so long as they are a garden, and will be judged for gold, silver and bronze awards as well as cash prizes.

“Gardens have always been a great way to tell a story and we hope that our Pocket Gardens will give a wide range of community groups a new opportunity to reach thousands of people during the show,” said director Nick Smith.

“The competition could also lead to bigger things for some groups, who might like to go on to build full-sized gardens in the future.

“Both our spring and autumn events feature community show gardens, which are highly successful at raising the profile of the teams taking part and very popular with our visitors.”

The competition is open to any community-based organisation, including schools, gardening groups, societies and charities. Each team will be provided with a 1m x 1m wooden frame and compost for planting up.

For more details contact Ben Wray at info@flowershow.org.uk or visit flowershow.org.uk The closing date for entries is February 28.

The show runs from April 24 to 27.