The idea for the contest came after Britain in Bloom judges visited in 2006 and commented on how many superb front gardens the town boasted.
We decided to recognise the efforts of our own front garden enthusiasts with this fun event.
Once again the standard is incredibly high, with a number of gardens nominated for a second or even third year running.
The inaugural Front Garden of the Year title in 2007 went to Henry Davis of Kepple Lane, and once again Henry and his wife Margaret have produced a beautiful garden.
Now we are asking readers to look at the eight gardens pictured here, read the comments of the gardeners, perhaps even have a wander round town for a closer look at the finalists – a pleasant way to spend an hour or two!
Once you have chosen your winner simply vote by going to the poll section on the bottom right of this website page and vote for your favourite.
This year's front garden competition has the added bonus of sponsorship from leading retailer Booths.
The winning garden will be featured in a special profile in the paper and the winner will this year receive a trophy and garden centre vouchers.
Closing date for votes is August 20.

THE FINALISTS

Garden 1: John McGrath
Address: Yew Trees, Wyre Lane, Garstang
How would you describe your garden? It is an all year round garden
What is your favourite plant? Hollyhocks
How long have you been gardening? 45 years
How do you feel to be nominated? Very pleased

Garden 2: Les Danson
Address: Grasmere, 36 Dorchester Road, Garstang
How would you describe your garden? Average, with a water feature
What is your favourite plant? Heather and conifers
How long have you been gardening? 42 years
How do you feel to be nominated? Surprised and chuffed. I would like to thank the people who nominated me
Any gardening tips? Feed the lawn well and keep on top of weeds

Garden 3: Adrian Allsop
Address: 22D Windsor Road, Garstang.
How would you describe your garden? Colourful.
What is your favourite plant? Begonia.
How long have you been gardening?
About 50 years.
How do you feel to be nominated? Amazed!
Any gardening tips?
A nice garden needs lots of TLC and a bit of luck! Last year my begonias suffered from mildew. This year I didn't plant as many but the weather in June got them off to a good start and I wish now I had planted more!

Garden 4: Amy Baldwin
Address: 22 Windsor Road, Garstang.
How would you describe your garden?
Formal and colourful with a wide variety of plants, both annuals and perennials and plants that attracts bees and butterflies.
What is your favourite plant? Dahlias and begonias in summer, tulips in winter/spring.
How long have you been gardening? Over 50 years.
How do you feel to be nominated? Honoured and privileged to be nominated because there are so many beautiful gardens in Garstang.
Any gardening tips? I try to do a bit every day - dead-heading and watering – but I must stress that the planting and general maintenance is done by a gardener friend.

Garden 5: Elsie Cross
Address: 23 Fairsnape Drive, Garstang.
How would you describe your garden? Bright, very colourful all summer, with begonias, merigolds and fuschia, and in winter I just have primulas.
What is your favourite plant? Begonias and Petunia Priscilla.
How long have you been
gardening? Approximately eight years. My late husband loved his garden but when he was confined to a wheelchair I had to do my best, with his guidance, but I enjoy it.
How do you feel to be nominated? Honoured and surprised.
Any gardening tips? Go round your plants dead-heading every day. Feed your ground two weeks before you plant out with fish blood and bone, and sulphate of potash, just hoe it in.

Garden 6: Roy Dexter
Address: Bridgeway, Kepple Lane, Garstang.
How would you describe your garden? Tidy.
What is your favourite plant?
Chrysanthemums.
How long have you been gardening?
45 years.
How do you feel to be nominated?
Surprised.

Garden 7: Mr and Mrs Bush
Address: 26 Kepple Lane, Garstang.
How would you describe your garden? Colourful.
What is your favourite plant? Begonias and busy lizzies.
How long have you been gardening? 65 years.
How do you feel to be nominated? Proud and
privileged.
Any gardening tips? Feed plants once a fortnight.

Garden 8: Henry and Margaret Davis
Address: 24 Kepple Lane, Garstang.
How would you describe your garden? Lovely and colourful, with plenty of
different flowers.
What is your favourite plant? I like busy lizzies and begonias.
How long have you been gardening? About 40 years or more. I have done more since I retired.
How do you feel to be
nominated? It is an honour and nice to be recognised.
Any gardening tips? Keep weeding and watering in dry weather. Take the dead heads off the flowers.