The Bearwood Front Garden competition closes next week, and the organisers have arranged a scoop by attracting TV gardener Alys Fowler, who also writes for The Guardian, to act as one of the judges.

There's now an opportunity for local people to follow a trail and cast their vote for what they consider to be the best garden. On 1st August, the welovebearwood blog site will be publishing a map of all the local entries. You will be able to print the map from this website and follow your own judging trail. When you've decided on the one you think is best, e-mail your vote to bearwoodblooms@outlook.com by 8th August. Every adult and child in Bearwood will have one vote – please note in your email the name of each family member and the address of the garden they are voting for.

The wonderful Webbs of Bearwood have donated a £25 voucher for the winner of the local vote, and with approaching 40 entries for the main competition it looks like it will be a hotly fought competition.

The competition closes on 31st July and it is hoped the judges can assess all of the entries by early in August.