18 Award-Winning Black and White Photos From The Garden Photographer Of The Year

The 15th competition results of the Garden Photographer of the Year have revealed 18 breathtaking images from the black and white category, showcasing nature’s beauty through striking contrasts and textures. These best photos capture everything from delicate petals and towering trees to dramatic light and shadow play, highlighting the artistic depth of monochrome photography.

Each award-winning image tells a unique story, emphasizing the intricate details of plant life and landscapes in a timeless, elegant style. This year’s winners demonstrate the power of black and white photography in transforming ordinary garden scenes into extraordinary works of art.

18 PHOTOS

#1. 1st Place: "Leaf and Butterfly" by Petar Sabol

"At first glance, it may look and sound easy, a humble leaf with a butterfly, but it was a real struggle against the wind to get the subjects still and in focus. I captured this photo just a couple of hours before the closing time for this Black & White competition, so for me, it represents a real thrill."

#2. 2nd Place: "Strictly Aligned" by Pierre Pellegrini

"Man’s intervention in nature creates order, balance, and harmony. This tunnel of trees formed a canopy of archways and the ‘doorway’ at the end created a grand, forest cathedral."

#3. 3rd Place: "Against the Grain" by Rory McDonald

"On a morning walk in a newly discovered area of woodland in the Lyth Valley in Cumbria, I came across this old and gnarly twisted yew tree, which stood out because it was surrounded by numerous tall, straight pines.

#4. Finalist: "Lakeside Tree" by Tim Burgess

#5. Finalist: "A Whirl of Grass" by Dieter Wanjura

#6. Finalist: "Willows in Winter’ by Tim Burgess

#7. Finalist: "Unfolding" by Marina Chrysou

#8. Highly Commended: "Lace Work" by Anne MacIntyre

#9. Highly Commended: "Tulip in My Father’s Vase" by Molly Hollman

#10. Highly Commended: "Japanese Water Gardens" by Allan Wright

#11. Highly Commended: "Poppy Pods" by Lotte Grønkjær

#12. Highly Commended: "Ants Hunting" by Wei Fu

#13. Highly Commended: "Willow Catkins" by Catherine Illsley

#14. Commended: "Rydal Falls" by Tim Burgess

#15. Commended: "The Plantation" by Tony Jones

#16. Commended: "Blooming Season in Summer" by Minghui Yuan

#17. Commended: "Ready to Jump" by Minghui Yuan

#18. Commended: "Weather-beaten" by Wendy Reed