Sparsholt College add to their accolade of Horticultural awards with the news of a Platinum award for their ‘Beautiful Border’ garden display in support of Maggie’s Southampton. 

Staff and students from Sparsholt College’s Horticulture department came together to produce ‘Maggie’s Way’ a ‘Beautiful Border’ in support of the cancer charity based in Southampton to display at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair held in the grounds of Beaulieu’s Motor Museum. The hard work of Sparsholt students, staff and Maggie’s volunteers resulted in a Platinum award being received for the display – one of only two awarded at the event.  

Designed by Garden Design Diploma students, the display took inspiration from the architecture of Maggie’s Southampton. Radiating fins centre on an oasis of calm, expertise and support in the turbulence of personal cancer diagnosis and treatment, also reaching those close to them.  

Horticulture Lecturer Chris Bird said: “This is a glorious opportunity for the student group to bring all their skills together for a successful outcome and to then give them a portfolio page for their future careers” 

Garden Design student Deborah said: “Working on the garden has been great. It’s given me an insight into the possibilities, the opportunities that are out there for a career in horticulture and design” 

‘Maggie’s Way’ symbolises the work of the Southampton centre and the journey of those with cancer, their family and friends, through the stages of diagnosis, treatment and support. 

Gemma, Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Southampton said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Sparsholt for the garden. The design that the students did is absolutely amazing. Winning the Platinum award reflects all the hard work the students put into the design and really brought this year’s theme to life” 

Sparsholt College, nestled in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, is a leading land-based College, with an unrivalled reputation for the delivery of Horticulture courses. Applications are still open for September 2022. Apply now: https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/information/apply/