JUDGES have been touring Lewisham searching for the borough’s best gardens and floral displays.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s annual London in Bloom competition rewards residents, schools and organisations with the best green spaces.

As well as looking at private and commercial property displays, judges for Lewisham visited gardens, wildlife areas, school gardening projects and allotments.

Both regional and London-wide competition winners will be announced in September and will be judged on design, cultivation, and use of colour, plants and foliage.

Councillor Susan Wise, Lewisham judge and cabinet member for customer services, said: “Without the commitment and enthusiasm of our residents we wouldn't be in such a strong position to impress the judges from London in Bloom as we do every year."

Judges also had an opportunity to look at the borough’s first travelling living roof shed.

An ordinary garden shed has been transformed by members of the Honor Oak Park Action Group who have planted flowers and foliage on its roof.

The group intend to take the shed to public events around the borough so people can learn how to create their own version.

Inside the shed, visitors can learn more about encouraging biodiversity, growing their own fruit and vegetables and how to make the most of their back garden as a wildlife habitat.

Members of the Honor Oak Action Group converted the shed over the course of a month doing a few hours each week.

A group spokesman said: “Back gardens are becoming increasingly important for wildlife. They often have greater biodiversity than our countryside.

“You can help increase the habitat available for wildlife and make your garden shed more attractive to look at. It’s fun and it’s easy.”

The shed’s makeover was completed using wood from skips, environmentally friendly paint and decorating the interior with charity shop finds.