The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the winners of the annual RHS Photographic Competition. Josie Elias has won the first prize of £1000 and the title of RHS Photographer of the Year 2012 for the above image of an olive tree surrounded by tulips. Elias said: “We stumbled on the Iris Garden at Plantas Distintas in Marnes, Spain quite by chance. I was particularly intrigued by the contrast of the gnarled old olive tree and colourful spring flowers. I felt I had to capture the scene and was encouraged by the nursery owners to enter the photograph into the RHS competition. I am very excited and honoured to have won.”

RHS Press Release

RHS Photographic Competition Winners Announced

Josie Elias is crowned RHS Photographer of the Year 2012

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the UK’s leading gardening charity, announce the winners of the annual RHS Photographic Competition. Out of thousands of entries from around the world, the stunning image of an olive tree surrounded by tulips wins Josie Elias first prize of £1000 and the prestigious title of RHS Photographer of the Year 2012.

  James Arnold, the competition organiser, says: “We have had a record number of entries this year, doubling figures from last year. The judges have been astounded by the extraordinary quality of the images which people have produced from all over the world; it’s simply breathtaking and very difficult to choose a winner.”

  Chris Young, member of the judging panel and editor of The Garden magazine, says: “Josie’s image of the olive tree, underplanted by tulips and set within a picturesque view, is not only a beautifully composed photograph; it also screams warm weather and springtime vibrancy. She has captured so well the spirit of a garden that can be seen at that time of year.”
   
  Josie Elias, RHS Photographer of the Year 2012, says: “We stumbled on the Iris Garden at Plantas Distintas in Marnes, Spain quite by chance. I was particularly intrigued by the contrast of the gnarled old olive tree and colourful spring flowers. I felt I had to capture the scene and was encouraged by the nursery owners to enter the photograph into the RHS competition. I am very excited and honoured to have won.”

For more information and to see the online image gallery, please visit www.rhs.org.uk/photocompetition.

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