Bristol man scoops title of B&Q Gardener of the Year for his stunning urban garden

Bristol gardening enthusiast Matthew Symonds has been crowned B&Q Gardener of the Year.

A long-time gardening enthusiast, Matthew has revealed how he hopes his win will show people that any space on any budget can become your own paradise.

He was crowned at a ceremony attended by the judging panel, including celebrity maître d’ Fred Sirieix.

Matthew will receive a £10,000 cash prize, a £2,500 B&Q gift card and B&Q’s highly coveted Golden Trowel for his innovative Best versatile garden.

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 work in progress, transforming the 5.6m x 6.5m space from what was once a concrete square with weeds, into a cleverly designed multi-functional garden.

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.

Matthew 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.”