THE SUNNY weather must have got the green fingered among us in the right mind to grow.

We are a quarter of the way through the entry process and more than 40 people, groups and establishments have entered so far, making these initial weeks the most popular to date.

Organiser, David Thornton, said he was thrilled the school projects and new water feature categories have peaked interest.

"It's so nice to see people trying something new. Not everybody is entering their front garden project," he said.

"I want to encourage people not to be put off if they don't have an army of gardeners or a 400-acre estate. What's great about Wight in Bloom is that it's for everyone — you don't even need to have a garden."

Those entering should remember that extra points will be given this year for the greenest gardens — those that demonstrate good environmental practice, whether it be recycling old bottles into plant plots, water collection schemes or the careful selection of wildlife-friendly plants or habitats.

With the buds beginning to bloom, the competition organisers are hoping entries will continue to arrive before the deadline, Friday June 30.

Those interested can follow Wight in Bloom on their new website, where entry forms are available for download.