Gardens of the Year Competition

Judges' Choice

Hotel Palazzo Belmonte on the Cilento coast, Italy Long Travel

The winner of the Judges’ Choice Award will receive a seven-night Italian holiday for two worth £7,000, staying at Hotel Palazzo Belmonte on the Cilento coast, south of Naples, courtesy of Long Travel. You’ll have a ground-floor room with private terrace and sea view, with flights, car hire, and breakfasts included. The hotel is set in lush gardens with an outdoor poor and pristine sandy beach. You can also explore the nearby town of Santa Maria di Castellabate and the natural beauty of the Cilento National Park.

People's Choice

the award-winning Riverside Cabins, set in peaceful rural Shropshire — The award-winning Riverside Cabins, set in peaceful rural Shropshire

The winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive a seven-night holiday for up to six people (travel not included), worth £3,000, in the award-winning Riverside Cabins, set in peaceful rural Shropshire. You’ll stay in a boutique self-catering lodge on the banks of the River Perry, with three bedrooms, a private outdoor space and hot tub. The welcome hamper includes breakfast and a BBQ box of local ingredients. During your stay, you can visit nearby Shrewsbury, explore local walking trails, spot the plentiful wildlife and even try fishing, or simply kick back, enjoy the peace and watch the stars.

Entries are now closed

The deadline has now passed. Please stay tuned to find out the 2025 finalists. Please note: You will NOT receive an email confirmation of your entry. If your garden is selected as a finalist, we will contact you in June to arrange a date for photography, which must be completed by late August.

What we’re looking for

The initial selection criteria are simple and likely in line with how you’ve put your garden together anyway, but as a heads-up we’re looking for creative use of the available space, how you’ve used, combined and grown your plants, the overall atmosphere created by the garden design or layout, and the use of materials. How you photograph your space is also a major factor and can really help its character to shine through. To help you with the best chance of standing out, here are some winning tips.

Make it personal

Jo and Andi Butler's travel-inspired garden. Jason Ingram

It’s easy to think you need to follow a formula for a chance of winning, but all our finalists’ gardens have a creative edge, often fuelled by a personal passion, pastime or element of their background. Jo and Andi’s travel-inspired garden, winner of our Gardens of the Year 2024 People’s Choice Award is a good example.

Right plant, right place

Susan Downing's wildlife-rich garden. Jason Ingram

There are many ways to plant up a garden but how you edit those choices down, along with great planting combinations, can make all the difference. We’ll also be looking out for that extra commitment to growing, nurturing and maintaining a lush and biodiverse landscape.

Create an atmosphere

David McFarline's shady garden — This small garden has used its layout and planting to create a tranquil and private space. Jason Ingram

Stand back and assess your space for ambience and atmosphere. This usually stems from the overall layout – or the clever design of a small space or balcony – elevated by elements such as cohesive use of materials, sensory planting or calming water features.

Materials matter

Clever use of materials in Angie Barker's garden. Jason Ingram

We’re lucky gardeners indeed if we have the perfect landscaping materials for every part of our plot. But even if those materials aren’t your favourites, there are lots of clever ways of using plants to soften a space. Just a few well-placed pots can transform the look.

Showcase your strengths

Sara Faulkner's garden in the early-morning light. Jason Ingram

The way you take your pictures makes all the difference. Try framing the most striking views, focusing on something structural and then panning out, shooting when the sun is low, and ensuring your camera is set to hi-res mode. Take lots and then choose the best. Take inspiration from our expert photographers including Jason Ingram and Neil Hepworth, who share their top photographic tips in the May 2025 issue of BBC Gardeners' World Magazine.

Meet our expert judges

Gardens of the Year competitions 2025 judges

Our panel of expert judges meet in September to choose an overall Judges’ Choice Award winner. Our People’s Choice Award opens for voting in November.