If your garden is looking a little neglected after the long winter, now is the time to get out your gardening gloves and set to work.

Green-fingered residents have just one month to dig and weed their way to victory as the deadline for Hounslow Homes' gardening competition approaches.

The 'How Does Your Garden Grow' event was officially launched last week at the Sutton Lane Community Centre.

Would-be entrants must get their completed forms in by June 20 and make sure their plants are pruned to perfection by the beginning of July.

Reenie Wooten, a Hounslow Federation of Tenants and Residents Association representative who will be acting as one of the judges, said: "Every year we get record entries, which makes it increasingly difficult to judge.

"The competition is a great way for individuals and communities to get involved."

This year community gardeners will get the chance to join the fun with the addition of a best communal area category.

The other three prizes will be for the best garden, best hanging basket or balcony and best community, with £150 to be won in each category.

All entrants will receive free sunflowers and forget-me-not seeds and the shortlisted gardens in all categories will be featured in the Chronicle and on the website.

There will also be a photography competition encouraging adults and children to enter their treasured snaps of natural views of the borough.

The best adult photo will win £100 and the best children's £50. All the entries will be available to view in our Video and Pics section.

For more information or to pick up an entry form, call Anthea Johnston on 020 8583 4431 or visit www.hounslowhomes.org.uk