A garden inspired by Australia,Essence of Australia, has been awarded an RHS Gold Medal as well as the title of Best Show garden at the 2014 RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
A number of displays from some of the UK's best growers, florists and garden designers, showcasing inspiring plant combinations, diverse themes, innovative concepts and exceptional skills were awarded coveted RHS medals.
Designed by Jim Fogarty for Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne,Essence of Australiacelebrates the beauty and diversity of the flora and landscapes of Australian states Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Sponsored by Tourism Victoria, Tourism Northern Territory, Qantas and Trailfinders, the garden's design takes inspiration from the Rainbow Serpent, an iconic dreamtime creature from Aboriginal culture that inhabits deep permanent waterholes and controls the presence of water.
Sloth - Quarry of Silencesdesigned by Sheena Seeks was awarded Best Conceptual Garden and an RHS Gold Medal. The garden features a large sand cone at its centre, and over a hundred spades and forks climbing up the side to reach the golden stone at the top, representing the goals we have in the life.
Designed by Jeni Cairns and Sophie Antonelli,A space to Connect & Grow,won Best Summer Garden. Built from recycled industrial materials and designed to improve the local urban environment, the garden brings artists and community together in a space that fosters connection and creativity. At the centre of the garden stands a pavilion with a living roof, full of edible plants.
Garden of Solitude,designed by Alexandra Froggatt, received a Silver Gilt medal and judged as best in the Your Garden Your Budget category. The sunken garden has been designed as a space for relaxation and contemplation, with a sheltered seating area, a reflective pool and a waterfall.
Forty eight growers and nurseries from the Floral Marquee were awarded Gold Medals at the Show. Todds Botanics was awarded the title of Best Exhibit in the Floral Marquee for its display of drought tolerant, unusual herbaceous perennials. McKinlay Gibson were also awarded the Best Professional Floristry Exhibit and Hadlow College were awarded the 2014 RHS Hampton Court Floristy College of the Year.
Alex Denman, RHS Head of Shows Development, said: "RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show once again demonstrates some of the best of horticulture, from specialist nurseries to contemporary designers. With 9 gardens winning Gold medals at the show this year and a diverse range of different garden styles and designs, we have some amazing talent and skill, keeping the Show fresh and reflecting the exceptional standard of creative talent and skill that this show continues to attract."
