ENTRIES are already coming in for the Examiner's Garden Of The Year competition.

Early birds are filling in their forms and sending in snaps in a bid to win our top prizes.

Our competition is bigger and better than ever.

And though the closing date's not until June 23, if you're a would-be winner, what are you waiting for?

Examiner Editor Roy Wright said: "If your friend, neighbour or relative is a brilliant gardener, but shy when it comes to putting themselves forward, why not give them a nudge?

"With your encouragement, we hope they'll nominate themselves.

"We don't want anyone to miss out on this opportunity to win great prizes and get the recognition they deserve."

Roy continues: "We're not necessarily looking for pristine perfection, we're more interested in spirit and imagination.

"And you certainly don't have to have a big, palatial garden to enter. There are categories to suit everyone."

There's a trip to Holland, courtesy of Travelscope Holidays, to see the famous bulb fields at their dazzling best for our overall winner.

We also have more than £700 in vouchers from competition sponsor Armitage's Garden Centres and garden goodies for our category winners and runners-up.

So, if you have some photos of your garden in all its glory, cut out our entry form and send them in NOW.

Otherwise, you can bide your time and wait until your favourite blooms are out and looking gorgeous.

If you'd prefer to email your pictures, send them to val.javin@examiner.co.uk, giving your name, address and telephone number, and the category you want to enter - as long as you include these details, you don't need to worry about filling in our form.