Sherborne-based Castle Gardens has been announced as the national winner of the Garden Centre Association’s annual Christmas Competition.

Up against garden centres from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including big names in the industry, Castle Gardens has now received this coveted accolade for the ninth time in 10 years.

Garden centre business specialist and Garden Centre Association judge, Alyson Haywood, commended Castle Gardens for its beautiful Christmas displays, which invite visitors to take a trip back to the 80s, embrace all things Latin American and escape in a world where unicorns roam and pigs fly, commenting:  “With innovative and inspirational themes, coupled with unique product ranges, the Christmas journey enveloped and transported the customer into a magical land of wonder and creativity.”

Louise Burks, director of The Gardens Group, explains: “This is another huge achievement for The Gardens Group as a whole, as our Christmas displays demonstrate a real team effort across all three sites. Everyone works tirelessly to make sure the displays look their absolute best, from the opening in October right up until Christmas, so this accolade means a lot. We’re absolutely delighted to win this national award for the ninth time and I feel this consistency reflects the commitment and creativity of our team, who make the transformation happen from scratch each and every year.”

Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil was also recognised in the Garden Centre Association’s annual Christmas Competition, taking fourth place in the country and second place in the regional Wales and West category.

The award-winning Christmas displays are open seven days a week until Christmas at Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester.