Picture perfect: The 2011 RHS Photographic Competition opens for entries

The RHS, the UK’s foremost gardening charity, has begun its search for the most creative, inspiring and captivating garden images of the year, as it launches the 2011 RHS Photographic Competition.

Open to amateurs and professionals alike, the competition has six categories available for adults to enter, providing them with the chance of being crowned RHS Photographer of the Year and claiming the top prize of £1,000. Children and young photographers can compete for a new digital camera and the title of RHS Young Photographer of the Year by entering one of two categories based on their age.

James Arnold, RHS Licensing Manager: “As a charity, the RHS is dedicated to inspiring millions of people to garden, and this competition is a true celebration of the beauty of gardens, their plants and their wildlife.

“We’re looking for photographs which leap from the page, and are not only well-composed, but show that the photographer has worked creatively to capture the drama and beauty of the scene, whether it’s a plant portrait, a garden in spring, or just people enjoying the garden.”

The RHS Photographic Competition is supported by Medici Cards, offering all entrants the chance to also win the Medici Cards Award and have their winning photograph published as a greetings card.

For more information on the 2011 RHS Photographic Competition and to download an application form visit www.rhs.org.uk/photocompetition. The competition is open until 31 August 2011.