Horticulturalists are being called upon to spring into action after Epping in Bloom launched two competitions.

Younger gardeners are being encouraged to forage for six woodland animals hidden among the plants of the Market Garden, located just off Epping High Street.

The location of each animal should be written down along with the entrant’s name, address and telephone number before being posted into the garden’s Epping in Bloom post box.

The Community Garden Competition is welcoming those aged under-16s to find the critters before the end of March.

Meanwhile, the Growing Community Competition encourages neighbours to nurture herbs, fruit or vegetables in a novel way, in a pot or hanging basket of any size.

Participants who relish a competition are also encouraged to get stuck in and garnish their pots with paint or decorations.

The cut-off for the competition to be entered is July 7 and is open to any budding gardeners willing to take part. All prizes will then be given at a presentation evening.

Photographs of entries should be emailed to: eppinginbloom@gmail.com.