A Kent garden has been named the best in the UK – beating hundreds of other entrants from across the country.
Simon Richards, from Folkestone, triumphed in BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Garden of the Year competition.
Simon Richards’ Folkestone garden has been crowned the best in the country by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. Picture: Jason Ingram
Described as a “very traditional garden”, the plot wowed a panel of leading experts – among them TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh.
Mr Richards inherited a traditional garden layout with a large central lawn, mature trees, a Kent-tiled summer house, a pergola, and an apple and pear arch.
But he dug up about two-thirds of the lawn to create a low-maintenance gravel garden, inspired by designer Beth Chatto.
Mr Richards replaced the grass with a layer of gravel, allowing plants to thrive in pockets of soil.
He was one of six gardeners who reached the final of this year’s contest, competing against entries from Edinburgh, Devon, Yorkshire, London and Norfolk.
The “gravel garden” idea was inspired by famous designer Beth Chatto. Picture: Jason IngramThe garden features a Kent-tiled summer house, a pergola and an apple and pear arch. Picture: Jason Ingram
“I was completely thrilled to make it to the final six, which to me was like winning anyway,” Mr Richards said.
“To be the overall judges’ choice is wonderful and slightly surreal.
“Being recognised for doing something I absolutely love is really very special.”
The judging panel described the design as “lovely” and “not over-complicated”.
As the winner of the Judges’ Choice Award 2025, Mr Richards has received a seven-night Italian holiday for two worth £7,000 – staying on the Cilento coast, south of Naples.
Simon Richards’ garden was described as “lovely” by the expert panel of judges. Picture: Jason IngramSimon Richards was awarded with a £7,000 holiday to Italy for his successes. Picture: Jason Ingram
All finalists will now compete for the People’s Choice Award, which is open for public voting until midday on December 18.
To vote for your favourite garden, click here.
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