Horticulture students win 'Gold' at BBC Gardeners' World

Returning for a second year, three horticultural colleges competed at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, each with a budget-friendly garden design based on the theme ‘Gardening in a Challenging Climate’. The event took place 3-5 May 2024, at Beaulieu in the New Forest with our students winning 'Gold Medal' who were mentored by award-winning garden designer Cherry Carmen, whose accolades include a Gold Award at BBC Gardeners’ World Live.

The students' submission, titled 'Hort Couture', 'Waste Not Want Not' presents a courtyard garden concept inspired by fashion. The design incorporates upcycled elements such as a catwalk path made from recycled rubber and buttons, a green wall system utilizing denim pockets, climbers resembling clothes rails, and sculptures fashioned from coat hangers. One of the ideas which had a big visual appeal was the use pockets from recycled jeans to act as plant holders!

The garden is now up for public vote for the People's Choice Showcase Garden 2024! Click here to submit your vote.

Huge congratulations to all the staff and students involved in this project, an amazing achievement!