Design-a-garden competition

Closing date for entries: 15th November 2000

As we all know, gardening was an honourable trade throughout Middle-earth. Perhaps Hobbiton was best served, by the family Gamgee, but let us not forget the gardens of Beorn, Bombadil and Master Elrond. Not to mention the Entwives (so I won't).

For the latest MeRS competition I invite you to rise to the challenge and design a garden for a character of your choice from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit or The Silmarillion.

There is no restriction in terms of plot size or budget. Maybe you reckon Minas Tirith would look lovely draped in greenery like some Middle-earth version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Saruman is obviously ahead of his time and favours a concrete and steel approach but a few herbacious borders would provide contrast and relief (and placate the neighbours). The slag heaps of Mordor pose a serious challenge but think what difference a few strategically placed bubble fountains would make to the servants of the Dark One. Soothing, or what?

On a smaller scale a wandering Wizard such as Radagast might prefer a series of low-maintenance plots in various locations. Or a bottle garden.

If you have a fancy Garden Design application on your PC by all means use it but pencil and paper are more than adequate to the task. Entries will be judged on viability (yeah, right), novelty, aesthetic appeal and humour (or should that be humus?)

I have something really special in mind for the prize. In addition to the usual very-worth-having Tolkien-related goodies, I intend to forward the winning design to the BBC's Groundforce team. Those outside the UK may not know this television garden makeover programme but take it from me the two man, one woman and a shovel team know a thing or two about garden design. Who knows, someday soon you may get a visit from Alan, Tommy and Charlie to discuss the finer points of Third Age composting.

Closing date for entries is 15th November 2000

Entries to:
Martin Baker
37 Marlborough Court
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne & Wear, NE3 2YY, UK
mers@seventhage.freeserve.co.uk