How To Vote For Yorkshire Finalist in Gardeners’ World Award

Yorkshire has a real gardening star in the spotlight this year. While the national Judges’ Choice Garden of the Year has already been crowned, the public vote is now open – and one of the most inspiring finalists comes straight from the heart of West Yorkshire. Saltaire gardener Kamal Hussain (also known as Kaan) has created a tiny, flower-filled haven beside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, and his joyful community-minded garden is now in the running for the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine People’s Choice Award 2025.

If ever there were a garden that captures the spirit of Yorkshire – creativity, colour, resilience, and a welcome for anyone who passes by – it’s Kamal’s.

Kamal Hussain’s Saltaire canal-side garden: a Yorkshire gem

Among hundreds of entries from across the UK, Kamal’s compact Saltaire garden has stood out for its warmth, charm, and clever use of space. A familiar sight to locals walking the canal towpath, the garden overflows with bright plants and climbers, gathered in pots and containers arranged with real artistic flair.

Despite its modest footprint, Kamal’s garden has become:

• a tiny sanctuary for wildlife, packed with pollinator-friendly planting
• a restful viewing spot for walkers, cyclists, and canal boat visitors
• a colourful celebration of Saltaire’s creative spirit, echoing the village’s arts heritage

Judges and viewers alike have praised the way Kamal has transformed a small outdoor area into a miniature oasis. It’s a garden made not just for himself, but for the entire community – a hallmark of Yorkshire gardening at its best.

What makes Kamal’s garden special?

Kamal’s space is proof that you don’t need acres to create something magical. His garden is defined by:

• container planting bursting with colour
• a cosy seating nook for reading, relaxing, or watching life along the canal
• planting designed with wildlife in mind, with nectar-rich flowers and sheltering greenery
• an atmosphere of joy, inspiring countless passersby to stop and admire

It’s this blend of friendliness, beauty, and biodiversity that has won Kamal a place among the national finalists – and now, he’s representing Yorkshire in the public vote.

The competition: six gardens – but Yorkshire’s pride is in Saltaire

The national judges have already selected their top garden – Simon Richards' drought-tolerant gravel garden in Kent – but the People’s Choice Award is all about what the public loves. Kamal is up against five other impressive finalists:

• a tropical courtyard in Stockwell, London
• a former railway garden turned wildlife haven in Devon
• a 35-year labour of love in rural Norfolk
• a vertical, espalliered cottage garden in Edinburgh
• the nationally crowned gravel garden in Folkestone, Kent

But for voters in Yorkshire – and anyone who loves community-driven gardening – Kamal’s Saltaire creation is the heart-winner.

How to vote for Kamal Hussain and support Yorkshire’s finalist

Voting is simple and open to everyone.

• Voting opens: 20 November 2025
• Voting closes: midday on 18 December 2025
• Where to vote: GardenersWorld.com/peoples-choice

The finalist with the most votes wins the People’s Choice Award and an incredible 7-night holiday for up to six people in Shropshire.

The result will be announced in the March 2026 issue of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.

Why Kamal’s garden matters

Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its heritage buildings, Victorian urban planning, and thriving creative community. Kamal’s garden sits perfectly in that landscape: small, inventive, artistic, and open-hearted.

In a world where many gardens online feel unattainable, Kamal shows what can be done with a modest space, some pots, passion, and a genuine desire to brighten the day for others.

It is, in every way, a Yorkshire success story.