'Independent' writer named garden Journalist of the Year

The Independent's Victoria Summerley has been named Journalist of the Year by the Garden Media Guild – described as the "Oscars" of the UK gardening media.

Judges said: "Her style is imaginative, clear, thoughtful, composed, rounded, energetic, humble and human, while her content is well-researched and original, and her personality comes through strongly in her writing."

Other finalists in the category included Anna Pavord, also of The Independent, James Alexander-Sinclair and Graham Gough for articles in Gardens Illustrated; and John Walker for Kitchen Garden.

A passionate amateur, Victoria Summerley opens her garden for charity every year under the National Gardens Scheme. She also writes an award-winning blog at Victoriasbackyard.co.uk.

Other award winners included Matthew Wilson, for his television series Landscape Man and the garden photographer Andrew Lawson, who won a lifetime achievement award.