A glimpse of our green planet comes to Hampshire

Tuesday, 10 July 2012

Hampshire County Council will host The International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition in Winchester this summer, featuring stunning photos of wildlife, plants, forests and landscapes from all over the world.

The Gallery in Winchester Discovery Centre will showcase specially selected photographs from winners and finalists in the fourth annual competition.

The International Garden Photographer of the Year competition has been running since 2007 and is the most prestigious flower and garden photography competition and exhibition in the world. Run in association with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, it is open to amateurs and professionals alike, attracting over 18,000 entries every year.

The competition is judged by industry professionals in photography and horticultural experts, and also includes a variety of categories and themes.

The exhibition will open at The Gallery in Winchester Discovery Centre from Saturday 21 July until Sunday 30 September 2012.

Now in its sixth year, the overall winner of the fourth competition was Winchester photographer, Colin Roberts with his shot 'Sea Thrift Flowers' which was entered into the Wildflowers category.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Keith Chapman, said: "It was wonderful to see a Hampshire resident win such a celebrated award, and to now be able to bring this prestigious exhibition to Hampshire is a fantastic achievement which we hope will inspire creativity among all generations.

"This display features some beautiful photographs which are really worth a visit, especially if you have a keen interest in photography or simply enjoy the wonders of nature."

Colin Roberts said: "Winning the International Garden Photographer of the Year award was a real milestone for me, and I consider it to be my best photographic success. It's also fuelled my passion for Britain's wild flowers, which are now one of my favourite landscape subjects."

Renowned garden photographer and Director of the International Garden Photographer of the Year, Philip Smith, will be presenting the exhibition at a special evening tour and also running a photography workshop at the Discovery Centre.

The deadline for entries for the sixth annual IGPOTY competition is 30 November 2012.

The Gallery, Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB - Free entry, open 7 days a week

Coming next to The Gallery: Nationally renowned artist Laura Ellen Bacon will be creating a site-specific willow installation in The Gallery, opening 12 October.

• Events at Winchester Discovery Centre

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