KEEN gardeners have just three weeks to put themselves forward for the city’s battle of the bulbs.

Entries are being sought for this year’s Oxford in Bloom competition and a tough growing season could mean creativity steals the show.

And this year there will be the chance to test yourself against the rest of the country as the city prepares to wow the judges of Britain in Bloom.

Last year 70-year-old Betty Fletcher won the prize for the most beautiful balcony.

The Northway resident will be putting her hat into the ring again but thinks this year might be tougher.

She said: “It has been disappointing. The flowers are not coming because they need the warmth of the sun and it has been hard finding the plants this year.

“You need the right weather and the right temperature. It is going to be hard for the judges as well this year.”

There was doubt that Oxford in Bloom would even take place this year, but Mark Lygo, Oxford City Council’s executive member for parks and sports, stepped in at the last minute to save the competition.

An appeal for volunteers to help coordinate Oxford in Bloom was unsuccessful and only nine new people came forward saying they wanted to enter the contest.

Last year’s Oxford in Bloom saw 60 gardeners take part in the competition.

The last time Oxford entered Britain in Bloom was in 2007 and it won the small city category in 2002.

But since those days the budget has been cut back significantly with just £3,800 now compared to £12,000 in 2007.

Oxford in Bloom is open to pubs, garages, hotels, factories and parks as well as schools and colleges.

Prizes are awarded in categories such as the most beautiful container, the best large or small commercial display and for the best display done by an under 16 group.

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said: “We would encourage residents to enter Oxford in Bloom and be proud of their gardens.

“Even if you don’t have a garden you can still enter as we have categories including containers and balconies. There is also a section for Junior Oxford in Bloom and Gardening for the Disabled.”

The closing date in July 16 for entries. To take part visit oxford.gov.uk