Sunday Times Garden Design Competition, 1992: First Prize

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show 1999: Silver Gilt Award

The exhibition garden was designed to represent one corner of a contemporary courtyard and consisted of a planted edge contained in a stainless steel planter and a natural stone paved area to accommodate a small table and chairs. The garden also incorporated various mosaic pieces, individually designed for the space by artist Joanna Kessel. The design explored the striking colour combination of cool blue/greens and warm reds/purples and was expressed not only in the plants but also in the paving and mosaic details.

Judges Verdict: “The great merit of the design, apart from its excellent detailing and fine presentation, were felt to be its appropriateness to the site and the harmony with which it will marry the house and the surrounding gardens. It was also felt that it resolved imaginatively and economically, several problems. For example, a collapsed wall will be replaced by a “viewing mound”, formed from excavations to create a sunken lawn. It was felt that a feature such as this would have pleased the flamboyant Holms”.