Merrist Wood College’s Horticulture and Landscaping students have once again triumphed at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, securing both the Platinum Award and the prestigious Best in Show title in the 2025 College Gardens competition.
Nature’s Gallery: A Showcase of Sustainable Garden Design
The award-winning show garden, titled “Nature’s Gallery,” captivated judges and visitors alike with its woodland-inspired design based on the Fibonacci sequence. Created under the theme “Nature’s Art within the Garden,” the garden reflected the mathematical elegance of natural forms while championing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Built using reclaimed and repurposed materials sourced from the college’s expansive 400-acre estate, the garden was a model of eco-conscious creativity. Key features included recycled structures such as a cattle feeder seating area and a natural pond, both harmoniously integrated into the serene landscape.
Third Consecutive Win Highlights Garden Design Excellence
This marks the third consecutive year that Merrist Wood College students have impressed at the event, building on the college’s 2023 success, where they also won Platinum and Best in Show. The continued recognition affirms Merrist Wood’s reputation as a leader in horticultural education and garden design innovation.
The talented student team—Archie Brooks (17), Oli Adcock (19), Harry Bulmer (18), and Olly Childs (20)—designed and constructed the garden under the guidance of award-winning garden designer Cherry Carmen.
Industry Praise and Educational Impact
Jo Manser, Group Director at Merrist Wood College, praised the students’ accomplishment:
“We’re extremely proud of the learners’ achievements, not just with the Platinum award but with the attributes they have shown throughout the creation of the garden. These qualities reflect the skills and values embedded in our learning philosophy and are essential for future careers in land-based industries.”
Chair of assessors at the event, Ian Hodgson, commented:
“This team effort showed how an idea could be transformed into an awe-inspiring garden. Recycled structures were used innovatively throughout, all set in exquisite woodland. These students proved that the future of garden design is in safe hands.”
About the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair
The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair is one of the UK’s premier gardening events, drawing thousands of enthusiasts, professionals, and exhibitors to celebrate innovative garden design, horticulture, and sustainable landscaping. The College Gardens competition offers an important platform for emerging talent in garden design education.
Learn More About Horticulture and Landscaping Courses at Merrist Wood College
Merrist Wood College and University Centre, part of Activate Learning, continues to lead in land-based education offering horticulture, landscaping, arboriculture and countryside management courses among many others.
➡️ Visit merristwood.activatelearning.ac.uk for more information about courses and admissions.