The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) show garden at BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair, involving nine member businesses and two apprentices, has been awarded Platinum and Best Showcase Garden in the final show of the season. The collaboration garden, ‘The Association of Professional Landscapers Elevated Garden Living’, was designed and built by the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) specialist designer and landscaper members in just three and a half days.
The garden at Audley End House and Gardens features a raised, terraced area for relaxing and growing, surrounded by lush planting and complemented by a small water feature. It was designed by DesignScape and built by Holland Landscapes, Landscapes by Design, TKE Landscaping, Adscape, Cordes Horticultural Ltd, Haldon Construction Ltd, Bramley Apple Garden Design and Jacq and Wills Landscapes.
Phil Tremayne, the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) General Manager, said:
“We are thrilled to be awarded Platinum and Best in Show for the second year running. It’s an amazing achievement to build to this level in such a short space of time, and it’s wonderful to see our members collaborate in such a great fashion and pass their knowledge on to the two young apprentices. I know it has also been a magnificent experience for them.”
For two members of the Association of Professional Landscapers Elevated Garden Living build team, being awarded Platinum and Best in Show was especially important. Ellis Thomas from Martins Garden Management and Jett Benson from Landscape Associates, both landscaping apprentices from Merrist Wood College, have gained their first show garden build experience.
Ellis Thomas said:
"My highlights were being able to get on the bigger tools, like using a ground screw rig for the first time. I also learnt how to do a bit of cladding. It was a really great experience.”
Jett Benson added:
"Being able to shadow these landscapers that are incredibly skilled, becoming more independent and also learning new skills has been a real highlight.”
The show at Audley End House and Gardens opens to the public today (11 - 13 September 2026), where visitors can see firsthand what can be achieved by using the services of professional designers and professional landscapers. The Association of Professional Landscapers will also be sharing their expertise and advice alongside members at a free Drop-in Design and Landscaping Clinic.
At BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, there was also a Platinum award for member Fenton Gardens, who designed and built ‘For the Love of Birds’. This brings the total to 66 medals and awards for the HTA’s specialist designer and landscaper members across this year’s show season, highlighting their excellence, dedication and professionalism.
