Keen to display your green fingered prowess?

The BOP Garden & Art Festival Trust is calling for new gardens between Katikati and Te Puke to add to its line-up for next year's event.

Festival director Marc Anderson says it's not unusual for the biennial event to include about 30 pe rcent of gardens that haven't been showcased before.

'They're an exciting inclusion. Our festival goers enjoy returning to see old favourites but are also keen to see new offerings,” says Marc.

While the festival isn't until November 2024, now is a good time for gardeners to plan ahead if they are interested in being involved.

Gardeners unsure whether their plot is worthy of showcasing may like to let the festival's garden selection committee help them decide,says Marc.

'Perhaps you have friends who tell you that you have a great garden, but you're not sure it's good enough to be in the festival. Or maybe you think your garden is too small. Rest assured we are after diversity – from sprawling rural gardens to tiny town plots too. Get in touch, as we'd love to check it out and talk things through.

'Or it may be that you have a friend or neighbour whom you feel should be showcasing their garden skills. They may need you to prompt them to be involved in the festival."

To register your interest for your garden to be considered in the 2024 festival, go to www.gardenandartfestival.co.nz and follow the link on the home page or phone (07) 570 2525.

Palmers Bethlehem will be returning to support the festival's 2024 Garden and Art Trail.