In collaboration with author and permaculture gardener Huw Richards and the National Allotment Society (NAS), Gardena has announced the winners of the nationwide Top of the Plots competition held at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. The competition, which garnered over 100 entries, seeks to underscore the significance of gardens and allotments.
“Top of the Plots has been a brilliant way to highlight the best of Britain’s allotments, and the important role they play in communities around the country. It’s not just about the produce grown, but the connection with nature, the time spent outside and the way allotments bring people together. We’re looking forward to seeing the competition grow next year as more green-fingered gardeners rise to the challenge,” explained Mike Farrell, Chairman of the National Allotment Society.
Steve Mills, from Barnet, North London, was crowned the overall 2025 winner after showcasing the allotment he has worked on for 14 years. Mills’ plot featured a fruit and flower tunnel, planted with more than 100 trees. According to the judges he created a three-level S-shaped maze, which won him and Plot of the Year and Best Garden Plot trophies. A video of Mills’ impressive garden can be seen here.
Roger Atkinson, from Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, won the Best Allotment category for his ‘“stress-busting” “stress-busting” space that he has nurtured for 20 years. On his allotment, Atkinson has grown almost 50-punnets worth of strawberries this year. Donna Harris from Leicestershire used to think vegetables were “boring” but has found a new love for homegrown food as she won Best New Plot for her “life-changing” garden which has become her sanctuary.
Victoria Holden from Failsworth, Greater Manchester, won the Best Community Plot on behalf of Northern Lily’s Community Orchard & Garden which transformed derelict land into a hidden gem for more than 4,000 people and grown over a tonne of food for 12,750 meals. Rebecca Hale from Norfolk won Best Small Plot for her garden that she has transformed into a biodiverse hub for insects and vegetables.
David Gallacher from Falkirk won Biodiversity on the Plot for Tom’s Hidden Garden, which he has cultivated into a vibrant ecosystem, celebrating the art and science of gardening.
The Kids on the Plot category will be announced shortly, where green-fingered children grow fruit and vegetables that are cooked by a school kitchen. The teachers and allotment volunteers’ commitment to bringing pupils into nature has proved transformative.
“I was blown away by the diversity of the gardens and allotments of the Top of the Plots entrants. Visiting the finalists and exploring their vibrant allotments and gardens served as a reminder for me of the power of gardening, and how much joy it brings. If you’ve been inspired by this year’s Top of the Plots winners, this is your sign to get planting. Start with one seed, and begin to cultivate your green space. Maybe next year I’ll be visiting your new plot,” said Huw Richards, Head Judge and Gardena Ambassador.
The watering and hand tools brand, Gardena, has confirmed that the Top of the Plots competition will be returning for 2026.
