The B&Q Gardener of the Year competition launches

As a keen gardener himself, Sirieix enjoys the therapeutic benefits it offers and is hoping to pick up a few tips when judging the competition: “We all enjoy our outdoor spaces for different reasons – for me it’s not about the money invested, or whether it’s big or small, it’s all about relishing the time spent creating your garden and letting your creativity flow.”

So whether you are new to gardening or a green-fingered pro, with a small window box or a large green space, nothing can hold you back from entering the competition, or from encouraging a fellow gardener to do so.

What the judges are looking for

Gardens of every size and budget are welcomed

The annual event highlights gardens as sacred spaces where the enjoyment gained is not dependent on the cost of the garden’s creation. No matter the size of your budget or how small or large your green space is, the competition is open to all.

Steve Guy is looking forward to judging the competition for another year: “The creativity and attention to detail of the entrants each year never cease to amaze me, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store this time.

“With previous champions including the likes of a small courtyard transformation and a sustainable garden incorporating a range of recycled elements, it goes without saying that this year’s winning garden doesn’t have to be the most extravagant or the one with the grandest design, but one that shows heart, soul and a true passion for gardening, no matter the size or spend.”

The judges will look for gardens that reflect creativity and the unexpected, as well as which are crafty and eco-conscious. The outdoor spaces will show a love for nature and how a little can go a long way to create a space where connections and memories can be made with friends and family.

Fred Sirieix stands in a garden pond wearing waders — Keen gardener and TV celebrity, Fred Sirieix joins the judging panel for this year’s gardening competition

There are four categories to inspire creativity, colour and joy

Are you a nature lover or a showstopping gardener?

The competition is based on four categories that change each year, with 2023’s focus on gardens that follow sustainable practices to allow nature to thrive while demonstrating how innovative ideas don’t have to cost the world. The judges will look for gardens and outdoor spaces that fill our lives with creativity, colour and joy.

This year’s categories include:

Is your garden wildlife–friendly and does it protect biodiversity? Perhaps you favour bee hotels and nectar-rich flowers? Then this is the category for you.

Think sustainable vegetable patches and outdoor kitchens. What better way to celebrate the competition’s theme – ‘The Great British Garden Party’ – than with a garden full of food.

What different activities does your garden support? From sipping tea to teeing off a game of crazy golf – how have you arranged your space for entertaining and activities?

Does your garden stand out from the crowd? Do your topiary hedges receive high praise, and do your borders make neighbours green with envy?

The overall winner will receive a £10,000 cash prize and B&Q’s Golden Trowel trophy, while three runners up will each receive £1,000 in cash.

Besides the four new categories, the competition continues to offer a prize for the Community Garden of the Year. For 2023 the judges are looking to see how an outdoor space has been transformed for the better, resulting in a positive benefit for a community or group of people. The winning team will be presented with a £2,500 B&Q gift card for the growth and maintenance of the project.

The judging panel for the B&Q gardener of the year competition, with Fred Sirieix on a drive on lawn mower — The judging panel awaits to crown the winner of the coronation-themed gardener competition

How to enter

Showcase your green fingers

The B&Q Gardener of the Year competition is now open for entrants until noon on Friday June 23, 2023. It’s an opportunity to showcase your own beautiful outdoor spaces, so spread the news to your family and friends in celebration of everything gardening has to offer.

To submit an entry

Go to the link above and select the category you want to enter.
Write up to 300 words on the inspiration behind your garden and how it fulfils the criteria you’ve selected. Then add some details on the planting you’ve used and what your garden means to you.
Upload three photographs of your garden.

Written by Camilla Sharman she/her

Published: 10 May 2023

Camilla Sharman is a Staff Writer at Saga Exceptional. Camilla has worked in publishing and marketing for over 30 years and has covered a wide range of sectors within the business and consumer industries both as a feature, content, and freelance writer.

As a business journalist, Camilla has researched articles for many different sectors from the jewellery industry to finance and tech, charities, and the arts. Whatever she’s covered, she enjoys delving deep and learning the ins and out of different topics, then conveying her research within engaging content that informs the reader.

It was when she started her family that her freelance career evolved. Having moved into a period house two days before her first son was born, she had the perfect opportunity to combine working from home with writing about her own house renovation projects. Apart from appearing on the cover of Your Home magazine, Camilla’s written for Ideal Homes, Real Homes, House Beautiful, and kitchen and bathroom business magazines.

It was inevitable that her interest in all things homes would lead her to writing home interest features. As a young girl she had the earliest version of Pinterest – a scrap book full of home inspiration images cut from magazines.

In her spare time, when she’s not in her kitchen experimenting with a new recipe, you’ll find her keeping fit at the gym. In the pool, stretching at a yoga class, or on a spin bike, exercise is her escape time. She also loves the great outdoors and if she’s not pottering about in her garden, she’ll be jumping on her bike for a gentle cycle ride.