Cambridge University Botanic Garden is delighted to partner once again with the International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) to launch a new free-to-enter special photography competition.
This year’s theme, Whatever the Weather at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, invites visitors to submit photographs captured in the Garden during any season and from any year, inspired by the changing light, warmth, skies, colour and atmosphere that shape the landscape throughout the year. Entries close on 31 October.
Entrants are encouraged to observe and photograph how plants and landscapes respond to climatic conditions across the Garden’s 40 acres – from the Mediterranean Beds, Dry Garden and Perennial Meadow, which showcase planting for warmer, drier climates, to species across the Living Collection adapting to hotter summers; or the ways both visitors and wildlife respond to warm weather – from moments of shade beneath the trees to pollinators seeking shelter among foliage and flowers.
From dramatic skies and sunlit borders to raindrops after a shower, cooling shade and the textures of drought-tolerant planting, the competition offers the chance to see the Garden through a seasonal lens.
Plants are unlike animals – they cannot move to seek shade or find water, so they have evolved remarkable ways to adapt. We hope this year’s competition will encourage visitors to look more closely at plant adaptations, how different species cope with changing climatic conditions, and the planting styles suited to a hotter, drier future – while also gaining a greater appreciation of the pressures plants face while rooted in one place.
CUBG’s Head of Horticulture, Sally Petitt says: “Weather has a powerful influence on life in the Garden, particularly during summer. As demand for water rises, so does the pressure on staff during hot, dry periods, along with the risk of losing specimens from the Garden’s Living Collection. Such losses would have real and serious consequences for researchers, students, conservation programmes and visitors alike. Water security is fundamental to the Garden’s future. Without it, the Living Collection cannot withstand the accelerating impacts of climate change.
Plants are unlike animals – they cannot move to seek shade or find water, so they have evolved remarkable ways to adapt. We hope this year’s competition will encourage visitors to look more closely at plant adaptations, how different species cope with changing climatic conditions, and the planting styles suited to a hotter, drier future – while also gaining a greater appreciation of the pressures plants face while rooted in one place.”
Images captured during any year at CUBG are valid for entry.
The competition is open to adults aged 18 and over, with winning entries set to be displayed alongside next year’s IGPOTY exhibition at the Garden. Prizes include:
First place prize:
IGPOTY award certificate
Your winning image on display at the IGPOTY 20 exhibition at CUBG
Special prizes supplied by CUBG, including; a bespoke, private tour of the Garden (with a senior member of the management team) and afternoon tea in the Garden Cafe for up to four people, plus a CUBG treat bag
Second place prize:
IGPOTY award certificate
Your winning image on display at the IGPOTY 20 exhibition at CUBG
Special prizes supplied by CUBG, including; a complimentary visit to CUBG for two people plus a CUBG treat bag
Third place prize:
IGPOTY award certificate
Your winning image on display at the IGPOTY 20 exhibition at CUBG
Special prizes supplied by CUBG; a complimentary visit to CUBG for two people plus a CUBG treat bag
Full details on how to enter, competition dates and prizes visit the IGPOTY website.
