Alumni from Sparsholt College’s Horticulture department flourish at this year’s BBC Gardeners World Live Spring Fair held in the grounds of Beaulieu’s Motor Museum. The two independent entries which were supported by Horticulture Lecturer Chris Bird during some of the preparation stages, received two Platinum awards for their ‘Beautiful Border’ designs.
Garden Design Award Alumni Laura Hall (Laura Hall Garden Design) and Andrew Williamson (Andrew Williamson Garden Design) designed their border ‘Together’ in collaboration with Maggie’s Southampton, a cancer charity based in Southampton who provide free expert care and support across the UK and online. In addition, Matt Le Gassick, a Garden Design Award Alumni from Sparsholt College and founder of InBud showcased his design ‘The Inner Dancer’ with support from Landscape Apprentice Alumni Charlie and Sam from ‘Your Gardens’.
Laura Hall’s and Andrew Williamson’s design ‘Together’ drew inspiration from the welcoming, warm and supportive environment provided by Maggie’s. The Beautiful Border was awarded Platinum along with the ‘Best Beautiful Border’ award.
Laura Hall said: “We are blown away by the success of our first foray into show gardens with our Beautiful Border ‘Together’ representing Maggie’s of Southampton. Being awarded Platinum was incredible and the icing on the cake was winning the Best Beautiful Border 2024.”
“Making connections with all the contributors to our garden and working with local craftspeople has also been a real highlight, and of course Chris Bird has supported us with his wealth of show garden experience.”
Meanwhile, Matt Le Gassick’s ‘The Inner Dancer’ received Platinum and ‘Best in Show’. The Showcase Garden aimed to provide a place to learn, play, unwind, and thrive and was raising awareness for Bugle House, a special educational provision of Great Oaks School, catering for young individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Sparsholt College’s Landscape Apprentice Alumni, Sam and Charlie, who supported Matt said: “The BBC Gardeners World Spring Fair in Beaulieu was an extraordinary blend of excitement and fulfilment. From the outset, we embarked on a remarkably ambitious design endeavour, and every step of the way, it was a concerted team effort.”
Find out more about the variety of part-time and full-time Horticulture courses at Sparsholt College at our next Open Event on Thursday 13th June (5:30pm-7:30pm). Book in advance here.