THE owner of the UK’s best garden has revealed his easy tips for transforming yours into paradise – without spending a fortune.
Matthew Symonds, from Bristol, has been crowned B&Q Gardener of the Year.
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His 5.6m x 6.5m garden impressed a judging panel including TV star Fred Sirieix – landing him a £10,000 cash prize, a £2,500 B&Q voucher and the Golden Trowel trophy.
When Matthew moved into his home nearly 20 years ago, the space which would become his garden was just a concrete square overrun with weeds.
He transformed the yard with hydrangeas, hazel bamboo, and roses – as well as a potted lily floating on a water butt.
Matthew also built two “entertaining areas”, a greenhouse, a bike shed and a pond with a waterfall.
The tree-shaded, split-level garden is a sanctuary for local birds and wildlife all year round.
Now Matthew has revealed how you can also transform your garden into a corner of heaven.
He told Bristol World: “I hope that my garden can show people that gardening doesn’t require a large, sunny, open, green space.
“Instead, with some smart thinking and a lot of love, any space on any budget can become your own paradise.
“Working full time means most of my gardening is done at weekends, but it is never a chore.
“Tending to my plants is my escape from life’s stress and it allows me to immerse myself in my love of plants.”
It comes after a gardening expert said you can help your rose bush produce “enormous” flowers with a magic ingredient already in your kitchen.
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