Green-fingered enthusiasts and novice gardeners across Oxford are being encouraged to take part in Oxford in Bloom 2001, which is officially launched today.

Gardening tips and advice on how to plant the perfect hanging basket will be available at the Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley, from Tuesday, May 29, until Saturday, June 2 between 11am and 3pm to celebrate the city's 16th annual gardening event, sponsored by the Oxford Mail.

More than 500 hanging baskets planted at the Cutteslowe nursery, many of them sponsored by local businesses, are set to go up across the city in the first week of June. Entrants do not even need a garden to take part in the free competition, as there are categories for the most beautiful hanging basket, window box and balcony.

There are also sections for schools, businesses and guest houses to enter.

John Alcock, a horticultural officer at the city council, is pictured passing on his expertise to trainee gardener Thomas Cole, 18, at the council's nursery in Cutteslowe Park.

*An entry form is available on page 11 of today's Oxford Mail, or collect them from council offices and the town hall. People can also enter on-line at www.oxfordinbloom.co.uk