The first RHS Sandringham Flower Show opened last week with two awards chosen and presented by Their Majesties The King and Queen celebrating biodiversity.

The King’s Biodiversity Award celebrates outstanding horticulture and the importance of biodiverse spaces and was awarded to Mindful Chef’s Gathering by His Majesty King Charles III shortly after the show opened to the public. The garden is designed by Sophie Godber and is inspired by a traditional orchard. Its naturalistic and edible planting showcases the importance of creating habitats that support pollinators, birds and insects. The garden’s details echo the ethos that food growing, biodiversity and community go hand in hand. The designer hopes to showcase how neighbours can work together to create connected habitats by looking beyond the garden fence.

The Pollinator Patch by Whissonsett and District Horticultural Society and Gardening Club received The Queen’s Choice of Upcycled Containers. Designed for bees, the Upcycled Container features bee-friendly plants in an old beehive composter. The Queen Bee by Ingoldisthorpe Church of England Primary School also received a special award from The Queen for its planter which celebrates the majestic queen bee.

Designed as a nod to an old library and in celebration of the 90th anniversary of RNIB talking books, RNIB Talking Books Garden by Paul Hervey-Brookes has been presented with Best Show Garden, Best Construction for a Show Garden, and a Gold Medal. Jo Thompson, Chair of the Judging Panel described the garden as: “A highly accomplished garden that clearly conveys the history of RNIB talking books. Visitors will enjoy walking through this atmospheric space with its naturalistic planting and its nods to library spaces.”

In the Grow Forward Gardens, a category that looks to the future by showcasing gardens that improve landscapes and help mitigate climate change, The Rhythm of Rainwater by Anthony Purdy also took home the hattrick of Best Grow Forward Garden, Best Construction, and a Gold Medal.

The Rhythm of Rainwater by Anthony Purdy explores how rainwater can be used to mitigate water shortages. Commenting on the design, Jo Thompson said: “An exquisite jewel of a garden that clearly conveys the story through many clever and charming details. It shows visitors what can be achieved in a small space and demonstrates innovative ideas for water capture.” 

Best Long Border was awarded to Tough as Old Boots Garden by James Horne and Zac Willitts, and Roualeyn Fuchsias took home Best Exhibit in the Floral Marquee.

See GTN Xtra's photos from RHS Sandringham Flower Show below featuring a great display of Mint plants that could inspire more sales at retail, a childrens gardening book called Gardenland The Peas and Carrot Party Shake-Up and a producer of plantable greetings cards; Hannah Marchant.