Gardening enthusiasts are being encouraged to show off their prize produce in a new horticultural competition organised by the Government.

The 2024 Bermuda Parish Garden Competition — “Let’s Grow Together” — is spearheaded by the chaplain Kevin Santucci, who runs courses in how to grow fruits and vegetables.

The competition, organised by the Department of Health and other government departments, will be held between March 25 and June 7.

Health minister Kim Wilson, who has attended Dr Santucci’s classes, applauded the initiative.

Ms Wilson said: “Gardening is rewarding, both in promoting healthier living and addressing food insecurity. I encourage those without gardens to start one. Not only does it promote healthy living, but it is also fun. I am grateful to chaplain Dr Kevin Santucci and all contributors to the project.”

A government spokeswoman described Dr Santucci as “a dedicated member of the community, deeply involved in supporting various Department of Health initiatives focused on food security”.

She added: “His vision for the Bermuda Parish Gardening Competition aims to celebrate individuals who have proactively cultivated their own gardens, promoting self-sustainability and emphasising the importance of food production to ensure accessibility, availability and affordability of fruits and vegetables for themselves and their families.”

Categories for the competition are: school garden, community garden, non-traditional garden, small garden and large garden.

Participants can register at forms.gov.bm/gardencompetition between March 4 and March 22.

Entrants are required to submit garden photographs by the deadline. Additionally, Dr Santucci will conduct a free eight-week gardening workshop to enhance participants' gardening skills.

• For more details, contact nutrition@gov.bm, providing a phone number and e-mail address, or call 747-6468