B&Q Gardener of the year: Our winner

The winner of the 2023 B&Q Gardener of the year competition has been revealed as Matthew Symonds. Matthew has been working on his garden since he and his husband moved into the house nearly 20 years ago. Since then, it has been a labour of love, transforming the small space from a concrete square with weeds, into a cleverly designed multi-functional garden.

Last year’s competition judges, including celebrity maître d’ Fred Sirieix, B&Q Outdoor Category Director, Steve Guy and award-winning garden designers, Matt Childs and Humaira Ikram, were particularly impressed by how brilliantly versatile Matthew’s garden is and how innovatively he has used a small space.

Matthew describes his gardening style as ‘trial and error’ which has resulted in his garden encompassing two entertaining areas, a greenhouse, a pond with a waterfall, a water butt that also hosts a potted lily, a place to store the bike and a myriad of plants including hydrangeas, hazel bamboo and roses ensuring every space is used.

Nature is encouraged too, with his beloved trees and pond providing a haven for wildlife and a nesting place for birds all year round Matthew’s split-level, urban garden highlights that any outdoor space can be made into a paradise, no matter the budget or space.

Fred Sirieix, Celebrity judge of B&Q’s Gardener of the Year 2023 said: “Wow, what a garden! I can’t believe everything you can do in it. At first glance it might seem like a regular garden filled with beautiful plants, but as we looked closer, we uncovered more and more elements that made this garden so special. Although judging all the entries was tough with so many wonderful gardens, this one stood out for his ingenuity in the Best versatile garden category. I might even have to steal some tips and tricks from him!”

Reflecting on what made Matthew’s garden standout, Steve Guy, B&Q Outdoor Category Director says: “Congratulations Matthew! At B&Q, we celebrate gardens of all shapes and sizes, and Matthew’s garden is an inspiration for all that no matter how big or small your garden is or what your budget it you can create a green space that suits your lifestyle. Matthew’s garden is one-of-a-kind and we loved how innovative it is whilst incorporating sustainable practices. Whilst the Best versatile garden took the top prize, we were pleased to see the Best nature loving garden receive the most entries and were very impressed by all – from the colourful show-stopping gardens to the enviable foodie gardens and the nature-loving gardens that you wish you could explore. This is our third annual B&Q Gardener of the Year and we’re looking forward to continuing to encourage Britain’s passion for gardening with our great value plants and outdoor range.”

B&Q Gardener of the Year, Matthew Symonds, says: “I am so honoured to be crowned B&Q’s Gardener of the Year! I love that every part of the garden has a purpose, some even two, and I hope that my garden can show people that gardening doesn’t require a large, sunny, open, green space. Instead, with some smart thinking and a lot of love, any space on any budget can become your own paradise. Working full time means most of my gardening is done at weekends, but it is never a chore, tending to my plants is my escape from life's stress and it allows me to immerse myself in my love of plants, which is why I am so grateful to be recognised for doing something I love.”

Alongside the B&Q Gardener of the Year, three runners up were chosen from the remaining categories, each of whom will be awarded £1,000. With an incredible portfolio of entries this year, Best nature loving garden received the most entries of any category. The winner of the Best nature loving garden category is Emese Peter, Best foodie garden is Liena Legzdina and the winner of the Best showstopping garden is Elizabeth Winiarski.

The Community Garden of the Year award was also back for a third year this year. With a £2,500 B&Q gift card won by The Walled Garden in Perth, Scotland . This award celebrates an outdoor space which has been created by the community with the aim of improving the life and wellbeing of those in the surrounding area. The garden is a tranquil space for everyone, not only is it a safe and welcoming space for wildlife and for those with poor mental health and wellbeing issues to engage in garden skills, but also a place to grow plants which are then sold to the public. The Walled Garden shone through in this category and B&Q are excited to see what they do with their prize money.

Congratulations to Matthew and thank you to everyone who entered! From gardens great and small, there were some fantastic entries which all proved that size, ability, and location are no barrier when it comes to creating inspiring and innovative outdoor spaces.