National Savings and Investments
 


Media centre /

Press release

NS&I launches Growing Gardens Today competition for budding garden designers

25 January 2008

NS&I are giving aspiring garden designers the chance to showcase their garden at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2008

NS&I (National Savings and Investments) announces the introduction of the NS&I Growing Gardens Today competition at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2008, in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Gardening design enthusiasts are invited to design a garden that must include vegetables as the key focus. Three lucky winners will receive a £5000 grant to build a 25m2 garden, and witness it on display in the "Grow Your Own" area at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live (11-15 June 2008) at the NEC Birmingham.

This is a new competition and the only one in the "Grow Your Own" area of the show. Competition entrants must create a garden around NS&I’s theme: Growing Gardens Today. The competition entries must include innovative and modern garden designs that incorporate sustainability, good environmental practices, diversity and recycling.

A natural partnership

Tim Mack, Head of Marketing and Communications at NS&I commented, "NS&I is delighted to be supporting such a unique competition at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live. We hope this will encourage new gardeners and inspire people to the possibilities of gardening and horticulture. We are pleased to be working closely with the RHS."

Growing Gardens Today aims to capture encourage and nurture new talent. To enter applicants must be 18 or over and should design a garden which is no more than 25m2 and the design’s key focus should be vegetables. Applicants must supply design drawings and plans by 8 February 2008. The winners will be chosen by a judging panel of NS&I and RHS representatives and will receive a £5000 grant to help them create their own design.

Application forms and terms and conditions can be downloaded from the NS&I website at www.nsandi.com/rhs. Winning entrants will be notified by 12 February 2008.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About NS&I

NS&I is one of the UK’s largest financial providers with 27 million customers and £83.8 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers Savings Certificates, Direct ISA, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children’s Bonus Bonds in its range. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I are backed by HM Treasury. NS&I products are available over the telephone, internet, post and by standing order.  They are also available through a network of 14,000 UK Post Office® branches.  Please be advised customers can also pick up brochures for our Premium Bonds and Inflation-Beating Savings products at retailer WHSmith in 400 of its High Street stores. 

About BBC Gardeners’ World Live

Now in its 16th year, BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2008 is a tantalising mix of show gardens, floral displays, practical demonstrations, entertainment and shopping opportunities in spades. Expert gardeners will give practical demonstrations and advice on growing and using fruit, veg and herbs. More than 100 nurseries will have stands in the RHS Floral Marquee, displaying to the highest standards in their hopes of winning one of the coveted RHS medals. More information can be found at www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/bbcgwl/show_link1.asp

About RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)

Established in 1804, the Royal Horticultural Society is now the UK's leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. The RHS encourage people to share a passion for plants, to encourage excellence in horticulture and inspire all those with an interest in gardening. More information can be found at www.rhs.org.uk/about/index.htm

Media team
NS&I has a number of spokespeople available for interviews and our experienced radio team is available via our ISDN line: 020 7602 4522.

The numbers below are for media use only. Customers wishing to contact NS&I can find details here.

Gareth Headon 020 7348 9494
gareth.headon@nsandi.com
Gill Stephens 020 7348 9449
gill.stephens@nsandi.com
Iman Asante 020 7348 9301
iman.asante@nsandi.com
Monica Del-Villar 020 7348 9654
monica.del-villar@nsandi.com

ISDN for interviews

020 7602 4522

Out of hours

All numbers above diverted to staffed mobile phones
 

Back to top

 Home    Print    Email to a friend  

Search