Celebrating Green-Fingered Excellence: Finalists Shine in Britain’s National Garden Competition

For over two decades, the Daily Mail has embarked on an annual quest to uncover Britain’s most exceptional amateur gardens. Now in its 25th year, the National Garden Competition continues to showcase the nation’s green-fingered talent, with this year’s entries reaching new heights of creativity and beauty.

Despite facing challenging weather conditions in 2017, including late frosts, scorching heat, and heavy downpours, the competition received an overwhelming number of entries. Hamish Webb, one of the judges overseeing the contest alongside garden designer Tim Sharples, notes that the quality of submissions remained remarkably high. Narrowing down the selection to just four finalists proved to be a daunting task.

Each finalist will receive a prestigious blue plaque to adorn their gardens, with the overall winner set to claim a grand prize of £2,000. As anticipation builds for the winner’s announcement in Weekend next month, let’s take a closer look at the gardens that captivated the judges.

**Kath Stratton’s Plant-Filled Paradise:**
Retired sales professional Kath Stratton, alongside her husband Clive, embarked on the transformation of their Southampton garden eight years ago. What began as a daunting challenge amidst overgrown shrubs and rocky soil blossomed into a lush oasis bursting with life. Kath’s dedication to crafting her own unique garden sanctuary, free from outside influences, shines through in every meticulously planted tier. Her garden, now a haven for wildlife, reflects her vision of augmenting nature rather than dominating it.

**Val Howells’ Colourful Transformation:**
Thirty years ago, Val and Roy Howells set out to cultivate a vegetable garden in Coventry, only to find themselves enamored with flowers and foliage instead. Their garden, once a blank canvas, has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of exotic plants, ornamental trees, and lush grasses. Val’s keen eye for color and texture, combined with Roy’s green-thumb expertise, has resulted in a garden brimming with “wow factor” and real charm.

**Linda Kidd’s Japanese-Inspired Haven:**
For over a decade, Linda Kidd nurtured a dream of creating a Japanese-style sanctuary in her Lancashire home. Despite facing financial constraints and time limitations, Linda’s unwavering determination saw her vision come to life. Her tranquil garden, meticulously crafted with her own hands, is a testament to her DIY prowess and love for Japanese aesthetics. From the circular moon gate to the meandering stream and secluded teahouse, every element reflects Linda’s dedication to creating a serene retreat.

**Martin Thurston and Fabrice Aru’s Theatrical Gem:**
In Essex, Martin Thurston and Fabrice Aru transformed a mundane garden into a theatrical masterpiece over two decades. Fabrice’s vivid imagination and flair for drama have infused the space with theatrical charm, from dramatic topiary to statement plants and vibrant foliage. Despite encountering buried rubble and unexpected water streams during the renovation process, the couple’s perseverance and attention to detail have turned their garden into a horticultural Tardis, bursting with beauty and personality.

As the competition celebrates its silver jubilee, these four finalists exemplify the passion, creativity, and dedication that define British amateur gardening. While only one garden will claim the top prize, each finalist has left an indelible mark on the landscape, inspiring gardeners across the nation to cultivate their own green havens of joy and tranquility.