APL wins Best Showcase Garden and Platinum award
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The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) The Pursuit of Excellence Garden
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The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) The Pursuit of Excellence Garden
The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) is thrilled to announce that The Pursuit of Excellence Garden - celebrating APL’s 30th anniversary year - was awarded a Platinum medal and named Best Showcase Garden at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair.
Built in just three days at Audley End House in Saffron Walden, Essex, The Pursuit of Excellence was one of a series of anniversary gardens created by APL members for shows across the UK, all of which highlight quality, design, build, and stunning planting schemes.
The garden, designed by Designscape, planting plan by Bramley Apple Garden Design and built by APL members - Landscapes by Design, TKE Landscaping, Holland Landscapes, Haldon Construction, as well as non-members Daryl Gannon Landscapes and P R Kedge Landscapes - is dominated by large-format geometrical shapes and colours.
Starting in an area of calm and beauty, the four planting zones provide height and structure, framing the tranquil water feature at the centre of the garden. Planting is biodiverse, encouraging wildlife and the vertical planks not only offer privacy to the seating area but also provide a glimpse of the area ahead. Within this zone, planting still exists, while also offering suggestions for architectural and drought-tolerant planting.
The judges praised the garden design and the skills and craftsmanship of professional landscapers. They described it as “impressive” to build a 60m² garden in just three days and called it “a testament to the people involved and the industry.”
Phil Tremayne, General Manager of the APL, commented: “We wanted to continue with the theme of promoting design and landscape excellence at Audley End, so I reached out to our members for support. Two designers, six landscapers, a concept, a plan, some sponsors, three days to build – and now Best Showcase Garden and a Platinum Award… I couldn’t be happier. We aim to inspire and educate on what quality design and build look like, so thank you to all the members who helped make this a reality.”
Designer Sarah Plested from Bramley Apple Garden Design said: “We had a great three days, and the icing on the cake was winning a Platinum award at the show. The garden has received lots of lovely comments from the public and there were plenty of visitors, despite the rain!”
Stuart Reid from Landscapes by Design added: “What a fantastic opportunity to build the 30th anniversary garden for the APL, with great friends who I’ve met through the member meetings. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and to be awarded Platinum is an incredible achievement for the team and the APL.”
Lucy Tremlett, Event Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said: “We never fail to be impressed by the design, planning, teamwork and creativity that go into creating a Showcase Garden. Congratulations to the APL team who pulled out all the stops to impress our tough assessors and to give Autumn Fair visitors some memorable ideas to try at home.”
As part of the APL’s 30th anniversary year celebrations, members have created three other award-winning, high-quality designs at some of the UK's largest flower shows and exhibitions:
- Garden for Gathering was designed by APL member Melissa Morten and built by APL member Paxman Landscapes for the Harrogate Flower Show in April. It was awarded Best in Show and Premier Gold.
- Where There’s Water, There’s Life was designed by APL member Rachel Bailey, project led by APL member Design It Landscapes, and supported by other APL members for BBC Gardeners’ World Live in June. It won Best Show Garden, Best Construction and achieved a Platinum award.
- At Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, APL member Big Fish Landscapes won GOLD, Best Show Garden, Best Construction Award and Environmental Innovation Award for the Subaru Cocoon show garden, while a special anniversary garden, What Lies before what lies beneath, was designed by Phil Tremayne to illustrate the process of having your garden designed and built by professionals. This project was led by APL member Bushy Business and supported by other APL members.
The Association of Professional Landscapers has an esteemed reputation for quality and landscaping excellence and is proud to support and champion the professional landscaping community across the UK. To learn more about the APL, visit landscaper.org.uk.