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Photo show is the best in the world

The best photography in the world will be on show all summer long at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

The International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition opens at the Carmarthenshire attraction on Friday March 22 and will showcase the stunning winning images of beautiful gardens and the world of plants.

It is the first time this internationally-renowned exhibition has come to Wales.

David Hardy, who is in charge of events at the Garden, said: “This is a real coup for us. IGPOTY is launching simultaneously here and in Scotland – at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – before travelling around the UK, Europe and then New York. The images are truly spell-binding and we feel privileged to have such a compelling body of work here at the Garden.”

He added: “The photographers in this competition come from all over the world so this really is an international event and IGPOTY’s stock is certainly rising in this, its sixth year.”

During the exhibition – which is subtitled “Images of a Green Plant” – there will be four special workshops in garden photography, led by IGPOTY director Philip Smith. These takes place on Saturday April 27, Saturday June 8, Saturday July 20 and Saturday September 7.

Philip said: “IGPOTY is about celebrating the world’s plant life and helping to raise awareness of the vital work done by botanic gardens in terms of plant conservation. We are therefore particularly delighted to be exhibiting at the National Botanic Garden of Wales – which is a fantastic garden in a wonderful part of the world.”

There are eight categories: The Beauty of Plants; Wildflower Landscapes; Greening the City; Beautiful Gardens; Wildlife in the Garden; Trees, Woods, Forests; Breathing Spaces; and The Bountiful Earth.
All competition winners’ images are included in a stunning book published by Kew Publishing.

If you would like to book a place on any of the IGPOTY workshops – which are £30 (£25 for members) – please email info@gardenofwales.org.uk  or call 01558 667149.

Selections from the exhibition will then travel around the UK, Germany, Portugal and New York, with a centrepiece exhibition at Bankside Gallery London from July 2nd. The exhibition at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew will be in October.

Take a look at some of the best of the finalists’ images here – with commentary from competition director Philip Smith

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21608363