The Society of Garden Designers has announced two new award categories for the SGD Awards 2021 including an environmental award which will be open to the public, as well as members of the SGD, and will recognise gardens where the use of materials and planting maximise sustainability. In addition, an award to celebrate gardens that have flourished over time has also been launched.
The Design for the Environment Award, which anyone with a suitable project can enter, whether they are a professional garden designer or not, will be presented for a garden or landscape where the design focus is on environmental contribution and sustainability, in a residential, commercial or public setting, either in the UK or abroad. The Design with Time in Mind Award, will celebrate gardens that have stood the test of time, working both aesthetically and practically, through the choice of planting & materials and long-term management & maintenance.
Announcing the new awards, Lynne Marcus MSGD, Chair of the Society of Garden Designers, said: “Beautiful gardens have always resonated with the British public, but this most extraordinary of years has shown just how fundamental our need for well-designed spaces is, for our own well-being and that of the planet.
"The SGD Awards is an occasion to celebrate the very best in landscape and garden design and our two new awards are designed to recognise the fantastic work already being done to create gardens and landscapes that respond to the ecological crisis we are facing, both by professional garden designers and people in their own gardens. I hope, through them, we can persuade everyone of the need for more environmentally friendly gardening techniques and of the great reward a well-designed garden that lasts, can give to nature, the environment and individuals."
Three new judges will also join the main judging panel this year. Chelsea Gold Medallist and TV presenter Juliet Sargeant FSGD, Teresa Conway, Gardens Editor from Awards media partner Homes & Gardens; and Jo Thompson MSGD, former SGD Award-winning garden designer who is widely recognised as one of the UK's leading plantswomen. All three will join the returning judging panel headed up by landscape architect, garden designer and RHS judge Richard Sneesby. In addition, Cleve West MSGD will join the judges for the SGD Student Awards which are assessed separately. See the full list of judges here.
Taking place later than usual, in June 2021, the Awards will be one of the Society's major events marking its 40th anniversary year and a celebration of excellence in garden design following the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
In total, 16 award categories are open for entries ranging from Large Residential Landscapes & Gardens, to Planting Design, Garden Jewel and International Residential Gardens. Three further Special Awards will also be presented, as well as the annual SGD Lifetime Achievement Award which is made to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.
Images:
Top: Garden by John Davies MSGD, winner of the Grand Award 2020. Image by Richard Bloom
Bottom: Garden by Acres Wild, winner of the People's Choice Award 2020. Image by Marianne Majerus
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