The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards, a flagship event in the landscaping and design calendar, will feature 117 finalists across 20 categories in 2027.
The finalists were announced at the end of the APL Annual Meeting.
Every year, the APL Awards showcase and celebrate excellence among the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) landscaper and garden designer members. Projects are recognised for their quality, and members are praised for their professionalism across the industry.
The judging process begins more than a year before the awards ceremony. Earlier this year, the panel of esteemed judges whittled down entries for the 2027 APL Awards to 130 shortlisted projects. After visiting projects across the country, the panel held a further round of judging almost two weeks ago, spending three intensive days evaluating the shortlist at the HTA’s Horticulture House in Oxfordshire. Led by respected industry professionals, the judges used their wealth of knowledge and experience to select the best from a bank of outstanding projects for awards ranging from Bronze to Gold.
This year’s expert judging panel was chaired by Bob Sweet (BBC Gardeners’ World Live) and included Rod Winrow (Garden House Design), Laura Anstiss (Oakmore Green), Rupert Keys (TASK Academy), Robin Templar Williams (Robin Williams & Associates) and Phil Tremayne (APL General Manager).
There was also a mentorship day for the new judges for the 2028 Awards: Adam Vetere (Adam Vetere Landscape and Garden Design) and Claudia de Yong (Claudia de Yong Garden Design).
Bob Sweet, APL Awards 2027 head judge, commented: “This summer has been challenging for all involved in the landscaping industry and the skills of the landscaper have never been more important in finding solutions to construction and planting in these conditions. Garden designers have contributed by adjusting to sustainable planting schemes. The judges have witnessed some remarkable achievements from the APL entries this year through pure skill, adaptation and innovation. The industry should be proud of the extremely high standards achieved and the professionalism of APL landscapers and designers”.
Rupert Keys, APL Awards 2027 judge, added: “The APL Awards are a fantastic celebration of everything that makes British landscaping such a skilled and rewarding profession. Having been involved in judging for the past seven years, I never tire of seeing the craftsmanship, creativity and sheer dedication that goes into creating these wonderful gardens.
“Every project tells its own story, not just through the finished garden, but through the hard work, problem-solving and attention to detail that brings it all together. For me, these awards are about recognising the talented people behind the projects, celebrating the pride they take in their work and inspiring the next generation of landscapers to continue raising standards across our industry. A huge congratulations to all the finalists, who should be immensely proud of their achievements.”
Phil Tremayne, General Manager of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), said: “Every year, we talk about how difficult it is to judge the APL Awards, and once again, the standard of entries has been exceptional. What continues to impress me is not just the quality of workmanship, but the creativity, innovation and attention to detail demonstrated by our member designers and landscapers. Judging these projects is always a highlight of my year, and this year certainly hasn't disappointed. The finalists are a fantastic reflection of the talent, professionalism and expertise within the APL membership and the wider industry.”
The winners from the total of 117 projects across 20 categories will be announced during a special awards ceremony on Friday 12 March 2027, at The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, London EC1Y 4SA.
