News / Gardening
Bristol local wins B&Q Gardener of the Year
B&Q has crowned their Gardener of the Year, giving the prize to Bristol local Matthew Symonds.
Matthew will be receiving £10,000 in prize money, a £2500 B&Q gift card, as well as the highly coveted B&Q golden trowel.
Judging the award was celebrity maître d’ Fred Sirieix, along with award-winning garden designers Matt Childs and Humaria Ikram.
is needed now More than ever
Since moving into his home 20 years ago, Symonds has worked tirelessly to transform what was once an entirely concrete square covered in weeds into a versatile garden space.
The 5.6m x 6.5 garden encompasses a variety of features, including two entertaining areas, a greenhouse, a pond with a waterfall, bike storage, and a myriad of plants including hydrangeas, hazel bamboo and roses.
Bristol winner Matthew Symonds at home in his 5.6m x 6.5m garden space – photo: B&Q
Matthew has also made efforts to encourage local wildlife, with his beloved trees and pond providing a year-round sanctuary for birds and insects.
Although Symonds has won this year’s competition, he describes his gardening style as ‘trial and error’, seeing his garden as a ‘never-ending project’.
In light of this, Matthew plans to spend his prize money on new plants, as well as international holidays to Japan and India to find more garden inspiration.
The garden features various plants, as well as innovative bike storage – photo: B&Q
Matt Childs, one of the award-winning garden designers judging, praised Matthew’s innovative use of space.
He said: “We loved how Matthew maximised the use of his small garden. It has everything you could want, from cleverly designed bike storage to two entertaining areas complete with atmospheric lighting, and even a pond.
“Every corner of the garden has a purpose, and you can see the thought and passion that has gone into his design.”
Humaira Ikram similarly praised the utility of Symond’s space.
She said: “My favourite thing about this garden is how Matthew has considered the use of every inch of the garden effectively.
“There seems to be dual use for many elements, from the water butt topped with plants to bring even more greenery into his oasis, to the hidden air-source heat pump disguised beneath a shelf of potted plants. I’m amazed by his creativity and his garden is definitely a stand-out.”
After three years, the competition seeks out creative gardeners and joyful garden spaces, rewarding those who follow sustainable practices that allow nature to flourish.
The competition also praises gardens which grow ingredients and herbs through its ‘best foodie garden’ prize.
It also gives kudos to gardens which provide that ‘wow’ factor, with their ‘best show-stopping garden’ prize.
Main photo: B&Q
Read next:
- Festival of Nature returns to Bristol for its 20th year
- Bristol Garden shortlisted for Garden of the Year award
- My Bristol Favourites: Matthew Symonds
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
