The International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) outdoor exhibition returns to the Garden

James McGlinchey, Exhibitions Manager, IGPOTY says:

“IGPOTY is delighted to be returning to Cambridge University Botanic Garden in 2023, with the latest selection of incredible photographs captured from across the world. Not only this, but we will also be bringing a splash of colour from closer to home, featuring higher placed images from ‘The Colours of Cambridge University Botanic Garden’ Special Award.”

The exhibition will also include winning images taken by our visitors for ‘The Colours of Cambridge University Botanic Garden’ special award, run in partnership with IGPOTY across last spring and summer.

CUBG Director, Beverley Glover says: “We’ve really enjoyed seeing the images submitted to this Special Award and are thrilled with the final set of images, which showcase the Botanic Garden across the seasons. There’s always something vibrant and exciting to discover growing here throughout the year and I’d like to thank everyone who entered the competition and congratulate the winners!”

The Special Award entries were judged by a small panel comprised of IGPOTY and CUBG staff, including Professor Glover.

The three winning images, seen below, feature in the exhibition, alongside a selection of higher-placed winning photographs from across the competition’s main categories, such as: ‘Beautiful Gardens’; ‘Trees, Woods and Forests’; ‘Wildflower Landscapes’ and ‘The World of Fungi’.

First place is awarded to Elizabeth Dougherty, for her ‘Glimpse of Molten Gold’ photograph. This image was taken on an early November afternoon in the Garden by the Lake. Elizabeth wrote alongside her entry that “sunlight shone through the trees and created a rich tapestry of golden autumn colours.”

Second place is awarded to Gillian Plummer for her ‘Splash of Colour’ photograph. Gillian says: “This summer, the Garden had some eye-catching flower beds, and I was attracted to this one for its mix of bright, cheery colours and contrasting textures; the smooth red and yellow of the Hemerocallis with the prickly blue Echinops.”

Third place is awarded to David Wikramaratna for ‘Morning Magnolia’.  David explains: “I have always admired the collection of Magnolia trees located on the western side of the Botanic Garden. On this particular day, I was lucky enough to capture these spectacular pink blooms against a perfectly clear blue sky. Magnolia blossom always seems to fade too quickly – fortunately a photo lasts much longer.”

Beverley continues: “The winning set of images capture the Garden beautifully.  We hope they will encourage and inspire people to visit this stunning exhibition which will be on display until May and perhaps even enter the competition next year!”

We hope our visitors will enjoy exploring the selection of winning images, which will be shown outdoors and in large format near our Grass Maze.

Exhibition dates: 15 March to 3 May 2023. The exhibition is free – normal Garden admission applies.