Show gardens

Show gardens

Every year BBC Gardeners’ World Live brings an exciting collection of show gardens to life in a celebration of how imagination and creativity can transform any type of outdoor space.  A central focus of the Show, these gardens will reflect current trends and design ideas covering a diverse range of themes which together will make up an impressive and inspiring selection for visitors to enjoy.

We've already confirmed some stunning designs for 2010 including:

‘The Ricola Herb Garden of Natural Refreshment’
Designer: Chris Myers
Sponsor: Ricola

Designed by Chris Myers, The Ricola Herb Garden of Natural Refreshment is inspired by the uplifting scenery of the Swiss Alps and brought to life with the thirteen herbs that give Ricola’s Swiss Herb Drops their great-tasting flavours.

Alongside these fragrant herb beds - which contain plants such as Horehound, Peppermint, Sage and Mallow - a stunning waterfall, a tranquil pool and a woodland and wildflower fringe work together to create a soothing garden where nature gets to work its magic on your senses, leaving you utterly refreshed.  Just like one of Ricola’s delicious sweets.

For further information, visit www.winwithricola.co.uk. 

‘Urban Sanctuary’
Designers: Will Brett & Dan Bere

Urban Sanctuary takes its inspiration from an English woodland and includes materials native to the British Isles. We aim to create a woodland retreat with a few modern twists, using materials such as glass and stainless steel to give the garden a more contemporary feel. The garden is designed as a space for people to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, where they can relax and admire the tranquil feel of an English woodland. The peace and calm within the garden is disturbed only by the sound of an ancient stone water feature cascading into the still water, relaxing you whilst you chill in our Urban Sanctuary enjoying a cool glass of Chardonnay.

‘On Another Level’
Designer: BSc (Hons) Landscape Design Students Bridgwater College

The ‘On Another Level’ show garden is a contemporary styled garden for modern living. Inspiration was taken from the 50’s style Brutilism, which used clean lines, geometric shapes and cantilevered structures.  A mature modern planting scheme softens the cubed raised beds and circulating water spills from a wall feature into the rill below creating the illusion that the decking appears to be floating upon it.

‘The Guide Dogs Garden’ Tracy Foster 

‘A Stick in Time – Centenary Celebration Garden’ Carol Adams 

‘Help for Heroes’ Birmingham City Council 

‘An Urban Oasis’ Richard Wilkinson 

We'll be adding more as the Show approaches, so keep checking back to find out about all the wonderful gardens you can expect at this year's Show. And don't forget to have a look at the 2010 designs in our gallery - just click here!

Show Garden Awards 2010

As well as showcasing aspirational design and beautiful plants, the Show Gardens will be judged by an expert panel who will award medals to the best entries. One garden will also be crowned winner of the 'Best Show Garden 2010'. 

The 'Best Show Garden 2009' was awarded to 'Your England: From Information to Destination' - Sponsored by the Highways Agency

The Highways Agency worked with Marney Hall again to present another garden at last year's show. As well as winning the best show garden Marney Hall was awarded another gold to add to her collection. The garden took visitors on a journey through different English landscapes and follows a course of a spring form it conception in the mountains, tumbling over a waterfall, running through a moorland, woods and meadows and culminating in a lake near the sea, A road runs throughout the garden illustrating that these beautiful landscapes can be reached through the strategic road network which are maintained and operated by the Highways Agency.
The Judging Panel was led by Micheal Balston, landscape architect, author and lecturer on garden design. He commented:
"The standards achieved by Marney Hall with the Highways Agency Garden are exemplary"

NS&I Growing Gardens Competition

NS&I and the RHS will once again be giving three garden design enthusiasts the opportunity to showcase their talents at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2010. Click here to find out more.