Page 30 - ALG Issue 2 2025

HERE WE
GROW
Top of the Plots
Here we grow! Gardening and allotment
competition aims to champion the best
plots across the land.
Are you super proud of your potatoes,
bigging up your beans and drowning in
compliments about your carrots? Well, have
we got a competition for YOU.
The National Allotment Society is proud
to be supporting GARDENA, leading
gardening and watering tools brand, to
launch Top of the Plots, a celebration of
the best in ‘grow your own’ culture and
gardening greatness across the land.
As the number of allotments and plots
booms all over the UK, it’s time to shine
the spotlight on the passion, skill and
achievements of you, the UK’s incredible
group of growers.
Top of the Plots’ nationwide gardening
and allotment competition has £1,000
worth of GARDENA products along
with National Allotment Society Magazine
subscriptions and RHS vouchers up for
grabs. The first 100 entrants will also receive
exclusive Top of the Plots merchandise and
of course a coveted champion’s plaque.
Mike Farrell, Chairman of the National
Allotment Society, said: “Allotments have
been at the heart of communities for
generations, providing food security, a
place to connect, and a way to care for the
environment. ‘Top of the Plots’ is a brilliant
way to highlight their importance.”
The NAS estimates that there are
currently about 330,000 allotments in the
UK, with almost 80,000 people on waiting
lists to get their own allotment.
The competition was launched on 22
March 2025 at Bents Garden & Home in
Warrington, Cheshire. The event featured
an exclusive masterclass hosted by expert
gardener and best-selling author, Huw
Richards. Huw is on the judging panel for
the competition, alongside representatives
from GARDENA and the National
Allotment Society.
“This competition isn’t just about finding
the best plots,” says Huw, “it’s about
inspiring more people to take up growing,
whether on an allotment, in a garden, or
even on a windowsill. Everyone can be a
grower.”
Starting from Monday, 19 May 2025,
green-fingered Brits can enter Top of the
Plots by submitting photos and descriptions
of their garden plots or allotments via email,
with the selected category. The competition
is open to gardeners of all levels and aims
to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and
"From school gardens to community plots,
we’re seeing more people than ever embrace
home-growing"
30 | Issue 2 2025 | Allotment and Leisure Gardener