Landscape Construction bring home Gold at BBC Gardeners World

BIRMINGHAM — Students from Oaklands College are proud to bring home the Gold from their debut appearance at BBC Gardeners’ World Live.

The Level Three Landscape Construction & Garden Design students and staff scored one of just three gold awards given in the Beautiful Borders competition at the show which celebrates new talent to the industry. The team were also thrilled to win a special award for Best Interpretation of the 50^th anniversary theme of the show within their design.

After heading to NEC Birmingham to assemble and construct their final design on site, the team’s ‘Garden Eden’ design faced the judges and a press preview before the four-day  show opened it’s doors to thousands of garden-lovers from across the UK.

Plans for ‘Garden Eden’ began at the beginning of the year, following an initial sketch which has a willow-woven frame as its centrepiece. The final design included various species of plant which that team have been working tirelessly to sow, grow and nurture at their base in St Albans Campus, taking advantages of the College’s Horticultural heritage, dedicated facilities and plant nursery.

The design was praised by judges for personal touches such as Monty Dons’ dogs Nellie and Nigel, Rose and Lathyrus Odoratus named after presenters from the shows last 50 years.

After the award was presented in front of crowds in the show’s hub of the Formal Marquee, judges feedback to the students commented on the planning, thoughtful attention to detail shown in touches such as the natural weaving of plants amongst the hazel frame and its delicate style.

Landscape Construction & Garden Design Co-ordinator Tee Robertson said: “We are thrilled with our awards – not only to win Gold for the quality of our work but the Best Interpretation of Theme really celebrates the design and those extra touches we put in to pull this garden together.

“To be at the show alongside other budding horticulture enthusiasts, colleges and fresh industry talent and be able to sing about our successes is fantastic. With Monty and the gang filming on location we’ve had a great week getting behind the scenes of the show, it’s been an incredible first foray in to Gardeners World Live!”

After such a great success Tee is hoping to make the show an annual project for future students who study Landscape Construction & Garden Design at the College. You can see photo albums documenting the student’s journey from seeds to show at https://www.facebook.com/gardenlandcapedesign.