Gardeners given shot at Olympic glory

UK gardeners have been given the chance to write their name into the Olympic history books and showcase their work in front of an international audience of millions.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has teamed up with organisers of the London 2012 Games to launch a competition to design a Great British garden for the Olympic Park.

An amateur adult and young person will each have their winning entry turned into reality and the aim is to make the plan seem like a typical yard – spread over a quarter of an acre.

The RHS has advised entrants to incorporate a Pierre de Coubertin oak tree (named after the founder of the modern Olympic movement) into their design, which should be submitted on an A4 sheet of paper with explanatory notes attached.

It also suggested starting with a theme and building other ideas around it, having a purpose and style in mind.

Gardeners should think about what plants to include that are typically British and may consider a water feature or commemorative tree, the RHS added.

The closing date for the competition is July 31st, with a panel of judges constructing a shortlist that will then go to a public vote.

China hosted the last Olympic Games in 2008, while Canada is set to host the Winter Olympics in 2010.