As National Gardening Week gets underway organisers of Cumbria in Bloom are urging people to take to their gardens and discover the benefits. 

National Gardening Week and Cumbria in Bloom are both part of the internationally respected Royal Horticultural Society.  

Both annual events aim to inspire and encourage people to grow and enjoy plants, from indoor plants and window boxes to large gardens and community spaces. 

Chair of Cumbria in Bloom, Ronnie Auld said: "As part of the RHS, we and the National Gardening Week have the same message and aims - to encourage more people to take part in the healthy and productive outdoor activity of gardening. 

"Gardening is good for people's health and wellbeing and also that of the planet.

"This year is the 10th anniversary of the launch of National Gardening Day. Ever since the first celebration in 2012, the annual event has grown in popularity, and many of our members share their photographs on social media as part of the event."

National Gardening Week, which this year takes place from 2-8 May, and those inspired to take up gardening still have the opportunity to take part in Cumbria in Bloom 2022 as the deadline for the competition has been extended to meet the demand for those interested in getting involved. The deadline for the 2022 competition is Sunday, 29 May, and entries can be made instantly via the Cumbria in Bloom website.

Mr Auld added: "We have extended the deadline this year by a month, as so many people have expressed interestd in getting involved, and we needed extra time to process all the entries. We are delighted to have so many individuals, groups and organisations wanting to be part of Cumbria in Bloom, the more the better.

"National Gardening Week is a celebration of the joy that can be found in gardening - and the theme is ‘the joy of gardening’. Whether it’s sowing seeds together, taking a moment’s break to nurture your houseplants or kicking back with a cup of tea in your favourite green space, it is based around the traditional act of gardening.

"It inspires more people, particularly the next generation of gardeners, to experience the joy of growing and creating beautiful green spaces."