A student horticultural team has galloped away with a bronze medal at the ‘Young Gardeners of the Year 2018’ competition at the Ascot Spring Garden Show.

Their equine inspired entry, which showcased herbal superfoods for horses and for people, was one of six show-stopping, sustainable urban gardens built by students from invited landbased colleges and was admired by thousands of visitors.

The competition, now in its eighth year, was pioneered by TV gardener David Domoney in association with The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community and celebrates the best of young British talent in garden design and build. This is the first time a team from Reaseheath has taken part.

Their challenge was to create a small but peaceful haven for a city dweller using organic and sustainable principles, supported by clever planting and design techniques. The competitors had to answer issues such as the use of local, natural materials and the implementation of SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems). The gardens were judged by an expert panel of industry leaders.

Reaseheath’s award winning team were:

  • Nathan Webster and Katie Monton (BSc (Hons) in Landscape Architecture)
  • Alex Rae (Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture), who was interviewed about his achievements and hopes for the future by ITV.
  • Tabitha Clare (Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture)
  • Matthew Rogers (Level 2 Apprentice in Horticulture at Reaseheath)
  • Lee Woodburn and Stephanie Hall (Level 2 Certificate in Garden Design, part-time)

We were supported by Marshalls UK, which supplied us with astro turf from its new product range.

Our team was led in the design and build by Horticulture Course Manager Steve Williams, who said: “This was a great opportunity to show what we can do and provided a great experience for the students. We were very proud of the outcome and have come back inspired to do even better next year!”

David Domoney commented: “This competition allows me the privilege of working side by side with colleges. I support the students through every stage, from initial planning to the grand reveal, so I know just how much passion and hard work goes into these show gardens.

“The tutors are great instructors and extremely positive role models and it’s an absolute joy to see the students’ creative plans flourish and to witness their pride and sense of achievement at the finished result. This competition is a fantastic career platform and I hope these budding young garden designers and landscapers build upon it to become our stars of the future.”