IWC (a Banijay UK company) has been commissioned to produce a six-part series for More4 in which a team of judges, including presenter and keen gardener, Zoe Ball, will search the UK to find the Garden of the Year.

In the series, Zoe, alongside award-winning garden designer, Manoj Malde and former young horticulturalist of the year, Lachlan Rae, will travel the length and breadth of the country on the hunt for the UK’s most spectacular home gardens. From classic English country gardens to the coolest contemporary designs; from spectacular hilltop locations to cosy, clever, urban green spaces, the team will be looking for the best of the best.

Split into regions, each episode will feature four contrasting gardens that represent, in different ways, the best of garden design in the area. The judges will visit each garden and score each one out of ten, based on their personal perspective and particular expertise: horticultural value, imaginative design and the overall visual impact.

The winning gardens from each episode will then go head-to-head in the grand finale, where one of them will win the title of Garden of the Year.

Zoe Ball said:

“It’s a joy to be able to spend a summer in some of the most wonderful gardens in the country. The level of creativity and flair on show is incredible and it’s inspirational to see how our contenders have made their outdoors spaces into beautiful, relaxing havens. I think this will be a treat for any viewer, whether they are looking for ideas themselves or just enjoy a peek at gorgeous gardens.”

Gerard Costello, executive producer for IWC, said:

“During the past two years, outdoor space has never been so important. This series will be a celebration of the love, dedication and hard work that has gone into making these gardens some of the very best the country has to offer. It’s a pleasure to be invited in to see these spectacular creations.”

Jo Street, Channel 4 Head of Daytime & Features, added:

“What a treat for More4 viewers getting to snoop around some of the nation’s most glorious gardens, without having to leave the comfort of home! Let’s hope the sun shines during filming!”

Garden of the Year (6×60’) is an IWC (a Banijay UK company) production for More4. It was commissioned by Jo Street, Channel 4 Head of Features & Daytime. It will be executive produced by Gerard Costello for IWC.