[imagesource: Minghui Yuan/ IGPOTY]

The shot of the cute little guy in the image above was captured by Minghui Yuan, who received a commendation from the judges of this year’s International Garden Photographer of the Year Awards.

My ‘garden’ consisted of one plant on a balcony, which was blown away by those epic Cape winds a while back, so my career as a garden photographer was over before it began.

While traipsing around a yard with a camera might not seem like the most inspiring thing to do, the winners of the 2020 Awards take it to new heights.

A visit to the International Garden Photography Awards website will tell you that the entries were judged in three categories, with first, second, and third place awarded in each of them.

Behold, the winners…

Black & White Category

First Place: Simon Hadleigh-Sparks

Second Place: Carolyne Barber

Third Place: Minghui Yuan

Macro Art Category

First Place: Petar Sabol

Second Place: Ian Gilmour

Third Place: Ashley Moore

Still Life Category

First Place: Cristina Wanjura

Second Place: Simon Schollum

Third Place: Jackie Kramer

Looking at the above without context, you’d never guess that the photos were taken in yards, rather than out in the wild.

It’s a nice little reminder that you don’t always have to travel far and wide to enjoy nature.

[source:igpoty]