Cambridge University Botanic Garden is home to an incredible diversity of plants from across the globe, with over 8,000 plant species. From towering redwoods of North America to delicate alpine flowers of the Himalayas, the Garden showcases the beauty and variety of plant life from different climates and regions.
This theme, ‘Around the World at Cambridge University Botanic Garden’, invites photographers to capture the essence of global biodiversity within the Garden and the ways in which the Garden reflects the world’s landscapes, from tropical glasshouses to the Mediterranean Beds to the Terrace Garden highlighting flora of New Zealand.
Head of Horticulture, Sally Petitt, spoke about the new theme: ‘There is so much potential to this theme because when you come into the garden, you’re exploring another world. Every plant in the Garden has a label that tells you where it comes from in the world, which should help inspire people to see the plants in a new light. You can wander around the Garden and pick out a plant, and then find out where it normally grows, whether that is in Mexico or plants that grow in the UK.
Every plant in the Garden has a label that tells you where it comes from in the world, which should help inspire people to see the plants in a new light.
I think it’s a really exciting title and it gives an indication of how extraordinary and diverse the botanical world is, how plants adapt to different climates and habitats, and how many different countries and climates are represented in the Garden. It will be really interesting to see what people come up with and hopefully will invite people to be curious and learn more about the plants in the Botanic Garden.’
Previous winners:
Entry and prizes
For the competition rules and to enter please go to the IGPOTY website.
NB: this competition is open to adults over 18.
Prizes:
First prize:
Signed individual certificate
Image exhibited at CUBG
Special prize awarded by CUBG: 1x one year joint membership to CUBG plus a bespoke, private tour of the Garden (with senior member of the management team) and afternoon tea in the Garden Café (for up to 4 people).
1x signed ‘Director’s Choice’ guidebook.
Second prize:
Signed individual certificate
Image exhibited at CUBG
Prizes awarded by CUBG: complimentary visit to CUBG and afternoon tea in the Garden Café (for 2 people) plus 1x signed ‘Director’s Choice’ guidebook.
Third prize:
Signed individual certificate
Image exhibited at CUBG
Prizes awarded by CUBG: complimentary visit to CUBG (for 2 people) plus 1x signed ‘Director’s Choice’ guidebook.
Places 1-3 will receive a prize and have their work on display alongside the main International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) exhibition when it tours to Cambridge University Botanic Garden in 2026.
You can see the winning entries from last year’s ‘Weird and Wonderful in Cambridge University Botanic Garden’ themed competition on our news story.
Please direct any further questions regarding entry to admin@igpoty.com.
