How we choose
This year we’ve invited our two most recent winners of Judges’ Choice to help us select the eight finalists. Frank Bowdler, whose richly planted garden really impressed our judges last year, and Wayne Amiel, who blew everyone away with his oasis of tropical plants in 2018, will help us narrow down our search for the 2020 Garden of the Year. And then it’s down to our expert judging panel to award each category, before it’s open to you, the public, to choose our People’s Choice.
So if you’re thinking of entering this year, who better to ask for inspirational advice?
What will you be looking for in a winning garden? Frank: I’ll look at how they’ve composed and designed the garden in the space available. Plant association and use of hard landscaping are important, as well as originality, individuality and passion. And whether there are any ideas I can nick, too! Wayne: I like all sorts of gardens, but particularly those that reflect their owners and their love of gardening. They don’t have to be fashionable or trendy – the best gardens are original and make full use of the horizontal and vertical space, the boundaries and views. I have a soft spot for people who’ve overcome the challenges of a tricky site.
What advice would you give anyone considering entering? Frank: I would encourage them to enter, as they may have brilliant ideas to share, and may encourage others to start gardening or make improvements. It gives a huge sense of satisfaction and achievement – you don’t have to be on telly to make a great garden. Wayne: I didn’t dream that I could ever win, so you never know, it could be your garden that
wins GOTY 2020! We need to see more entries that reflect the incredible diversity of gardens and gardeners and the many different approaches to gardening. There have been so many highlights for me since I entered: the people I’ve met, the lovely things the judges said about my garden, the thrill of seeing my garden on the front of Gardeners’ World Magazine, and the incredible prize.
Has winning changed your approach to gardening? Frank: The best thing about winning was knowing the garden was liked by people in the know. It has encouraged me to help others and, because I won, people actually ask for advice. I’ve been given the opportunity to design the local church garden, and this has increased my enthusiasm for my own garden and to carry on improving and trying new things. Wayne: I’ve never really given a hoot about people liking my style of gardening! Some people think it looks unkempt, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But winning GOTY has given me so much more confidence with my gardening. It shows I must be doing something right.