National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge: create a garden on your balcony to win

MCRJourno

Balconies across Greater Manchester are getting a green makeover thanks to the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge.

The new competition encourages apartment residents to transform their balconies, window boxes or private ground-floor spaces into thriving gardens.

Entrants have a chance to win a prize package worth up to £350 including gardening tools, vouchers, National Trust passes and more.

The competition is open to anyone living in a flat in Greater Manchester and no gardening experience is required - with five entry categories tailored to all skill levels.

Even one-pot wonders are welcome through the “One Pot Power” category that celebrates the big impact of small actions.

Participants must submit their entries by Thursday 31st July and share their gardening journey with the National Trust.

Shortlisted entries will receive a visit from a friendly judging panel and winners will be invited to a celebration event in September.

One of the judges is Cloud Gardener, Manchester’s award-winning balcony gardening expert.

He said: "Urban balcony gardening not only has mental health benefits but also supports wildlife and biodiversity."

"If we greened every balcony in Greater Manchester, it would equal the size of 33 football pitches."

Joining him on the panel are Victoria Holden, founder of Northern Lily CIC in Oldham, and Teddy Jones, a National Trust gardener and wildlife conservation student.

Local housing associations have partnered with the National Trust to deliver workshops and expert advice.

Salford’s Salix Homes has hosted sessions to help residents green their balconies.

Warren Carlon, Director of Communities at Salix Homes, said: "You don’t need a garden to enjoy nature."

The National Trust thanks partners STIHL and CJ Wildlife for donating prizes and you can find out more information on the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge website.