Entries for the South and South East in Bloom competition had to be submitted by 18 February and the group has put forward the town as a whole, the Almonry Garden and the cemetery in the relevant categories. As always, the judging for these categories will take place in early July. The arrangements for the local Battle in Bloom competition have also been reviewed and this year there will be awards for the best garden involving work by children, the best small vegetable garden and the best garden for supporting wildlife. More immediately the group wishes to reward the best spring garden. Rather than inspecting numerous gardens over a period of time, photographic entries can be made to the Battle Observer at rye.battle@jpress.co.uk These will be published over two or three weeks at the end of April so now is the time to start recording what is happening in your garden. If you would like to know more about this or any other aspect of the Battle in Bloom competition get in touch with Carol Harris at the town council office on 01424 772210.