Blue Diamond Garden Centres is celebrating exceptional success at the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026, following an outstanding week that saw both its sponsored Show Garden and its own Floral Marquee exhibit recognised with the highest honours by the Royal Horticultural Society.
The Blue Diamond-sponsored Show Garden, 'Where Grief Grows Quiet', designed by Sophie Leo in support of Maggie's, was awarded an RHS Gold Medal, together with the ‘Best Construction Award’ and ‘Best Young Garden Designer of the Year Award 2026’.
The remarkable Show Garden by Sophie Leo has been recognised by the RHS judges as one of the standout exhibits of the inaugural show. Created as a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, healing and hope, Where Grief Grows Quiet explores how gardens can provide comfort during life's most difficult moments. Its thoughtful planting palette, natural materials and beautifully crafted landscape have resonated strongly with both judges and visitors alike.
Blue Diamond Garden Centres were proud to sponsor the project as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting emerging horticultural talent and recognising the positive impact gardens can have on wellbeing.
Adding to the celebrations, Blue Diamond's own exhibit in the Floral Marquee was also awarded an RHS Gold Medal.Designed and constructed entirely by Blue Diamond's show team, and designed by Blue Diamond’s Anna King, the award-winning display featured exclusively home-grown plants from the company's six UK nurseries, showcasing the quality, expertise and craftsmanship behind the more than 13 million British-grown plants produced annually for its garden centres.
Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager for Blue Diamond Garden Centres, said: "This has been an incredible show for everyone at Blue Diamond Garden Centres. We are absolutely delighted for Sophie and everyone involved in bringing 'Where Grief Grows Quiet' to life. Winning an RHS Gold Medal is an incredible achievement, but to also receive the Best Construction Award and Best Young Garden Designer of the Year makes this an exceptional success.
"Receiving an RHS Gold Medal for our own Floral Marquee exhibit is also a tremendous achievement and a wonderful recognition of the passion, expertise and dedication of our nursery and show team. Plants in the display were grown by Blue Diamond in our UK nurseries, making this award especially meaningful for everyone involved."
Designer Sophie Leo added: "Creating 'Where Grief Grows Quiet' has been an incredibly personal and rewarding journey. To receive this recognition from the RHS is overwhelming, and I'm so grateful to Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Maggie's, the construction team and everyone who helped make this garden a reality."
The celebrations may not be over just yet. The garden is now in the running for the People's Choice Award, voted for by visitors to the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show. The winner will be announced on Friday 10 July, with everyone involved at Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Maggie's and the show team keeping their fingers firmly crossed for one final accolade.
Visitors who were unable to attend the show will also have the opportunity to see the award-winning garden when Where Grief Grows Quiet features on BBC Gardeners' World on Friday 10 July at 9.00pm on BBC Two, bringing Sophie's inspiring design and its powerful message to a national television audience.
Following the show, Sophie will donate plants from the garden to Maggie's centres across the UK, helping to extend the garden's legacy and provide beautiful, restorative spaces for the hundreds of people affected by cancer who visit Maggie's every day.
Blue Diamond Garden Centres congratulates Sophie Leo, Maggie's, the construction team and everyone involved in delivering both award-winning exhibits. This remarkable success reflects the exceptional talent, craftsmanship and horticultural excellence showcased throughout the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show and marks another proud milestone for Blue Diamond Garden Centres.
