International photo exhibition on the theme of gardens

As interest in parks and gardens grows, it also provides opportunities for anyone with a camera in their pocket. The result is lots of fine photographs of green spaces. This summer some of the best garden photos in the world will be exhibited in the glass houses at the Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen).

“It’s amazing how many wonderful places there are on this planet,” says Lisa Brunnström, event manager for the garden society, who has a selection of wonderful photographs from every corner of the world spread out in front of her.

One thing these photographs all have in common is that they have won prizes in the massive International Garden Photographer Of The Year competition – IGPOTY. They will all be exhibited for the first time in Sweden between 28 May and 7 August in the glass houses at the Garden Society of Gothenburg. Before the exhibition comes to the Garden Society of Gothenburg it will appear at Kew Gardens in the UK and Hortus Botanicus in the Netherlands, among other locations. After leaving the Garden Society of Gothenburg, IGPOTY will continue its tour to various locations, including the UK and Portugal.

You can see clear evidence of Swedes’ growing interest in parks, cultivation and gardens at any bookshop or magazine stand. This upsurge in books, magazines and TV programmes on gardening comes at a time when digital technology has put cameras in everyone’s hands.

Own category – The spirit of Swedish Gardens – and a local Winner

As a natural consequence of the strong tradition of gardening in the UK, almost ten years ago Philip Smith began organising what has now become the well-established and prestigious IGPOTY photo competition. Amateurs and professionals from around the world now compete for honour and prize money in nine different categories.

“Last year a special class was also added: The Spirit Of Swedish Gardens,” says Lisa Brunnström.

Thanks to the new category, alongside the international contributions, visitors to the Garden Society of Gothenburg this summer will also see the winning entry by Gothenburg photographer Annica Clarholm, from Jonsered Gardens, which is also part of the Gothenburg Green World 2016 initiative.

Photo: Annica Clarholm, ”Early morning”. Winner of The Spirit Of Swedish Gardens, public parks.

Opening and prize-giving ceremony on 28 May

The opening of the exhibition on Saturday 28 May will be attended by Philip Smith, founder of IGPOTY. He will also be offering inspiration at two photography workshops in Gothenburg Botanical Garden on 29 May and 7 August.

The competition rounds of IGPOTY will continue until the end of October this year, and anyone who is interested and has paid the entry fee can submit a photo that will be judged when the British jury convenes.