THE YOUNG Gardeners of the Year competition was launched ahead of the build up to the new Ascot Spring Garden Show in April.

The annual competition organised with by TV presenter David Domoney will see six of the UK’s leading horticultural colleges go head-to-head to create sustainable gardens.

The contest will be in association with the The Prince’s Foundation and will be judged by horticultural industry leaders, home and garden magazine editors, and acclaimed garden designers and landscapers.

Each college is being given a 5m x 4.5m plot where they will create a traditional or contemporary, and must be a focal point to inspire homeowners and passers-by on just what can be achieved in a small urban space.

David Domoney, organiser of the competition, said: “To date we have given more than 600 garden landscaping and design students the opportunity to build gardens at a national event before they even leave the college gates.

“It’s always a great privilege to see great British talent come together to compete for the title of Best Young Gardeners of the Year, and with this year’s focus on front gardens, I can’t wait to see them come to life.”

Each college is being asked to submit their garden design before the beginning of February and will be given 5 days to build and plant their gardens in the Garden Terrace on Ascot’s Grandstand ready for the Show’s opening day on 13th April 2018.

Simon Sadinsky, head of education at The Prince’s Foundation’s, said: “We are thrilled to have once again helped launch the Young Gardeners of the Year competition with David Domoney and some of the country’s most enthusiastic young gardeners.”

The Ascot Spring Garden Show opens from Friday 13th – Sunday 15th April. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked via www.ascot.co.uk/gardenshow