Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Dorset has won the GCA's  annual national Christmas Competition in the Garden Centre category. Taking first prize for the 12th time, Castle Gardens’ Christmas displays have once again scored higher than any other garden centre in the entire country.

Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil took second place and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester came third in the Local Garden Centre Category.

General ambience, creativity, range, flow and tidiness were among the areas scored during the judging process, which took place in November. Curated by The Gardens Group director, Louise Burks, the magical winter wonderlands continue to feature more eco-friendly initiatives and products. Throughout the planet friendly displays, repurposed and recycled materials have been used to build walkways, while glass baubles, twinkly LED lights, recycled candles and plastic free toys were used to create scenes from the Nutcracker, Star Wars and Fairytales.  

Louise Burks, director of The Gardens Group, commented: “This is another fantastic achievement for the whole team, who have pulled together to create something truly magical, all the while striving to be bigger, better and more eco-friendly than the year before. To win the top prize again is so rewarding for us all, but to take second and third place in the local garden centre categories shows the hard work, dedication, consistency and vision at each of our garden centres. We’re always doing our utmost to enhance the experience, while helping our customers to reduce the environmental impact of their celebrations, so to have this recognised by our industry means a great deal to us.”

The Gardens Group’s Christmas displays are open to the public seven days a week until Christmas Eve, at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester.