Time is running out for creative people to express their interest in participating in this year's NZ Garden and Art Festival in November.

The biennial festival covers Katikati, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Te Puke areas, featuring gardens and artists from within the region.

Sculptor Clive Armstrong's popular chooks in the Twisleton's Kaitemako Rd garden at 2012's NZ Garden and Art Festival.

The NZ Garden and Art Festival, in staying true to its name, is encouraging artists across the spectrum to exhibit their work in the festival – be it in their own art space or in one of the many beautiful gardens opening for the festival.

'Sculpture is popular in the event, as is art in many genres,” says festival publicist Liz French.

Interested artists do not have to necessarily know a gardener participating, as festival team will pair up artists with gardeners.

'We have lots of gardeners keen to host an artist, and we aim to match them with art which suits the type of garden whether it be contemporary, formal, country or cottage,” says Liz, who has been out gathering information from participating gardeners since last November.

The festival held an artist information evening last week which was attended by many interested artists, some who have exhibited before and some new to the festival, says Liz.

Clive Armstrong is a sculptor returning to the festival – and to Gary and Helen Twisleton's country garden in Welcome Bay.

His sculpture features recycled materials given a new life in many forms, including musical instruments – and their players – and forms and figures. 'He had a very successful festival in 2012 with a ‘sell out' of corrugated iron chooks,” says Liz.

Artists pay a registration fee then retain all revenue from their work sold during the festival. Interested creative people should email [email protected] within the next month. Registrations close at the end of April.