As I stepped through a concealed gate in Barnet, North London, I couldn’t help but think, this isn’t just an allotment; it’s a stunning showcase that could rival the Chelsea Flower Show.

A graceful archway formed by over 100 fruit and flowering trees beckoned towards a myriad of hidden delights within Steve Mills’ garden, which he has lovingly nurtured for the past 14 years.

Recently, Mr. Mills has achieved recognition as an award-winning allotment keeper, impressing judges with his intricate three-tiered S-shaped labyrinth of plants.

He remarked, “I recognize that it’s unique and different. I wanted to find a way to share it with others.”

Hoping to motivate others with his creativity, Mr. Mills entered the Top of the Plots competition in partnership with the National Allotment Society (NAS), expressing, “I hope that people will see what I’ve created and perhaps find inspiration to incorporate some of those ideas into their own gardens.”

As we strolled beneath the intertwined arches of fruit trees adorned with climbing squash, wisteria, and clematis, we sampled pears and apples that burst with a freshness that supermarket fruits simply can’t match.

Even in the autumn months, as the growing season came to a close, vibrant colors and lush foliage filled the space, with bright pink dahlias and fuchsias standing out against the rich greenery.

Mr. Mills embarked on this gardening journey 14 years ago, starting with what he describes as a “blank canvas.”

His concept of using arches to elevate apple picking above his head came to life with the help of polytunnel supports, allowing him to carefully train around 100 trees to flourish overhead. Today, his garden features 28 varieties of apples.

He has successfully blended ornamental plants with vegetables; a border of peonies, now tinged with russet hues, lines a patch of thriving spinach.

A verdant, striped lawn winds through the garden, rivaling any royal park’s pristine greenery.

In his professional life, Mr. Mills also nurtures plants as part of Westminster Council’s grounds maintenance team.

He joked, “It feels almost like a busman’s holiday when I come here on the weekends.”

Yet, his intense “passion for plants” draws him to his allotment on his days off, where he enjoys the creative freedom that comes with managing his own space.

“Having an allotment allows me to pursue my interests freely. If I make a mistake, it’s not a big deal; I just adjust or move on,” he shared.

Among 100 participants in the competition, Mr. Mills never anticipated winning accolades for Plot of the Year and Best Garden Plot.

“I was utterly astonished,” he humbly admitted.

Huw Richards, the chief judge, author, and permaculture enthusiast, commented that Mr. Mills’ entry was so breathtaking, he initially suspected it had been AI-generated.

He noted, “When you encounter things that seem extraordinary or unbelievable, it raises some skepticism.

“The distinctiveness, hard work, and commitment in this garden really stand out.”

Mr. Richards was inspired by Mr. Mills’ natural, polyculture design, leading him to consider creating a fruit tree arch of his own.

“My first reaction was simply: ‘I want one’,” he confessed.

Acknowledging Mr. Mills’ dedication to his allotment, he remarked, “He is a serious gardener who grasps the significance of collaborating with nature rather than opposing it.

“In essence, plants and varieties are akin to an artist’s palette. Their gardening plans reflect how they create their own unique canvas.”

The West Hendon Allotment Society hosts around 130 plots, nestled among sports fields and the Brent Reservoir, forming a multicultural community that mirrors the variety of food and plants cultivated there.

“Everyone contributes something from their cultural background,” Mr. Mills explained. “We discover unique varieties and different cultivars.

“As a South African, I enjoy growing gem squash; it’s a staple from home.”

Obtaining an allotment can be challenging due to long waiting lists. In the interim, Mr. Mills advises aspiring gardeners with limited space to consider vertical gardening.

He suggested training trees over arches and using pots for climbing vines to cascade up walls.

Mr. Richards added that those looking to begin planting this autumn could start with broad beans, or utilize a greenhouse or polytunnel to sow sweet peas, spinach, mustard greens, and winter lettuce.

London’s oldest still-operational allotments were established in Ealing in 1832.

Northfield Allotments began with 20.5 acres on Ealing Dean Common, though their size has since shrunk to roughly one-third of the original expanse.

During World War One and World War Two, numerous London parks were repurposed as allotment spaces, including the moat of the Tower of London during the World War Two Dig for Victory campaign.

By the early 2000s, London saw a substantial decline in allotments, reducing to approximately 500 sites, according to the London Assembly.

However, by 2017, that number surged to over 700 allotment sites across Greater London as an increasing number of residents sought to cultivate their own produce.