The Telegraph newspaper has launched the 2011 ‘Gardening Against the Odds awards’.
Launched in 2010 the Gardening Against the Odds award is in memory of writer Elspeth Thompson. She died in March 2010 after battling depression.
The winner will receive the Gardening Against the Odds trophy and £100 of Telegraph Garden Shop vouchers.
Entries can be from, or on behalf of, individual gardeners or small communities who have created a beautiful garden (of any size) or green corner that touches the lives of others.
This year there will be two categories: individual gardeners and groups.
The obstacles overcome may include the following:
1. Creating a garden in an unlikely or inhospitable corner – such as a derelict site or built-up area.
2. Gardening in the face of physical health problems.
3. Gardening in the face of mental or psychological health problems such as depression or grief.
Nominate a neighbour or friend in the Gardening Against the Odds awards
Gardeners can be modest about their achievements, so the organisers urge friends, relatives and neighbours to nominate gardeners who deserve recognition.
Best entries will be posted on the Telegraph gardening website.
Gardening Against the Odds awards –2010 winner
Andrew Barnett, collected his award from the botanist and television presenter David Bellamy and the actress Susan Hampshire.
Mr Barnett, has a bipolar disorder and had a breakdown 10 years ago, said that transforming his bleak and boggy back garden had “saved his life”.
Who are the judges ?
The Duchess of Northumberland joins the panel this year.
From The Sunday Telegraph, gardening columnists Bunny Guinness and Francine Raymond; Life editor Anne Cuthbertson.
From The Conservation Foundation: botanist David Bellamy; actress Susan Hampshire; and it’s director, David Shreeve.
Christopher Woodward, director of the Garden Museum and founder of GuerrillaGardening.org, Richard Reynolds.
Craig Sams, founder of Green & Black’s Organic; and Frank Wilson, husband of Elspeth Thompson.
Enter by post or online
Online: Enter the Gardening Against the Odds awards 2011 here
Describe why this garden should win a Gardening Against the Odds award (in no more than 500 words). Include the circumstances in which the garden was created, and note flowers, trees, fruit or vegetables.
Please attach at least two clear digital photographs. They can be taken earlier this year (2MB max).
By Post: Send to: Gardening Against the Odds Awards, Life, The Sunday Telegraph, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT.
Closing date: Entries by 16 September 2011.
The winner and two runners-up (individual and group) will be published in Life in October.
Vouchers, a trophy and gardening equipment
The winner in 2011 will receive the Gardening Against the Odds trophy and £100 of Telegraph garden shop vouchers.
The two runners-up receive a Gardening Against the Odds kneeler and £50 of vouchers.
The top 10 entries will share a choice of gardening equipment by Hozelock.
Nominators of the top 10 gardens will receive a bottle of champagne. Thanks to The Tanner Trust and other donors for their support.