This year’s Sutton In Bloom hopes to unearth budding photographers as well as green-fingered gardeners.

For the first time in the competition there will be awards for the best photographs of the gardens that brighten up our borough.

It’s a chance to show off behind-the-lens skills and capture the best of the borough in bloom. Photographers can submit photos of thier own front garden, back garden, or other outdoor display at thier home, such as a balcony, window box or hanging basket.

Sponsored by Times Square Shopping Centre there will be prizes in three age categories – 12 and under, 18 and under and over 18. The best of the entries will also be displayed as part of a special summer exhibition at Times Square.

Centre manager Noel Bergmann said: “We’re looking for photos that show the diverse and colourful nature of flowers and shrubs, from close-up individual shots to wider views of displays in full bloom.”

Entry forms are available at Times Square or timessquareshopping.co.uk Meanwhile the annual search is on for Sutton’s Best Front Garden, Best Community Garden, Best Business Frontage, Best Allotment Garden, Best Wildlife Garden and Best School Garden.

Judging will take place at the end of June and the Sutton In Bloom 2010 winners will be invited to attend a lunch during Take Part Take Pride week in early July, when they will receive their awards.

Sutton In Bloom entry forms can be obtained from your local library, and a downloadable version is available on the Sutton website.

Alternatively, please contact Jackie Eldridge in the Environment and Leisure Office at Denmark Road, Carshalton, on 020 8770 5070.

The closing date for entries is Friday June 25th 2010.

Gardens and displays must be situated within the London Borough of Sutton.