An inspiring array of innovative gardens and landscapes was celebrated last night at the Society of Garden + Landscape Designers (SGLD) Awards, an annual event honouring the creative talents of members across the profession.
Among the 21 winners on the night was Tomoko Kawauchi MSGLD, Design Director at Charlotte Rowe Garden Design who won the highly prized 'Garden of the Year' Award; Adolfo Harrison MSGLD who took this year's Judges’ Award; and Tom Stuart-Smith OBE FSGLD who was presented with the annual SGLD Lifetime Achievement Award.
SGLD Chair Andrew Duff MSGLD praised the overall standard of entries, saying: “This year’s award winners demonstrate a profound commitment to thoughtful, sustainable, and human-centred design. From intimate residential spaces to transformative public landscapes, the shortlisted projects showcase the talent and imagination shaping the future of our industry.”
Image: Garden by Tomoko Kawauchi MSGLD at Charlotte Rowe Garden Design. Photo: Jason Ingram
The SGLD Garden of the Year Award - the most prestigious of the SGLD Awards - was presented to Tomoko Kawauchi MSGLD, for a family garden which was described as "an absolute masterpiece" by the judges.
Tomoko's redesign of the garden adds a softer, more natural character to both the side and rear spaces. English stone, clay pavers, and generous planting have replaced the former hardscape, while a once-forgotten side garden becomes a gravel parterre with multi-stem trees, woodland perennials, and raised kitchen beds. At the rear, buff stone and a timber arbour with a fireplace anchor the space, as lush planting beds draw greenery up to the house to infuse the terrace with new energy.
The judges described how the garden offered "an immediate sense of immersion with skilful transitions between the different planting areas". They remarked on the exceptional quality of the design and planting and the thoughtful detailing, considered material choices, and luxurious touches, which they felt worked perfectly in the space.
As a triple award winner on the night, the garden was recognised in several additional categories including the Small Residential Landscapes & Gardens and Built Landscape Design categories—marking an outstanding multi-award year for the practice.
The SGLD Student Awards
Four outstanding student projects were selected for this year’s SGLD Student Awards, showcasing what the judges described as the very best of emerging design talent.
The Domestic Garden Awards were presented to Laura Bushnell (Small Garden) and Grace Hugh-Jones (Large Garden), both from the London College of Garden Design. The Public Realm Award was awarded to Michael Kieck, also of the London College of Garden Design, while Robbie Avey from the KLC School of Design received the Design for the Environment Award.
Two further projects received commendations: North End House by Helen Swan from the KLC School of Design and the Nurture Fertility Clinic by Sally Jane Robinson from Cornwall College.
The Student Award categories were judged by SGLD Fellows David Stevens, Sarah Morgan and Tom Massey, along with new judge Tomoko Kawauchi MSGLD.
The SGLD Lifetime Achievement Award
One special award revealed on the night was the SGLD Lifetime Achievement Award—an honour bestowed upon an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the landscape and garden design profession. This prestigious award, presented by the Council of the Society of Garden + Landscape Designers, was awarded to garden designer, landscape architect, author, and SGLD Fellow, Tom Stuart-Smith OBE FSGLD.
Commenting on the award, SGLD Chairman Andrew Duff MSGLD said: “Over many decades, Tom has created gardens of rare beauty and intelligence, seamlessly blending naturalism with modernity, reimagining historic landscapes, and transforming private and public spaces alike. His work—from intimate walled gardens to major projects for institutions such as the Royal Horticultural Society—has inspired generations of designers and gardeners. Through his refined planting, ecological sensitivity, and timeless design philosophy, Tom has helped elevate garden design as a vital art form and championed the highest standards of creativity and professionalism.”
