Garden designer wins platinum

Downton garden designer, David Long, has scooped another accolade from the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair - having won a silver merit last year (as well as People’s Choice and Subscriber awards) for his ‘Beautiful Border’. Spurred on by this success, he entered the Showcase Gardens category this year for the first time, with his garden “Theatre of Greens”  - and was awarded ‘The Best Showcase Garden’ and a platinum award - as well as being runner up in the People’s Choice awards.

The garden’s design was based on David’s experience of ‘impostor syndrome’ - the idea of a journey from the darkness of self-doubt, through to taking a leap of faith to believe in yourself.  Dark planting and an imposing archway at the entrance to the garden opened out into a tapestry of greens and muted whites, and a willow sculpture representing the joy of peace.

One of the judges commented, “David’s dramatic design contained a bravura performance of planting. It was understated but exciting and vibrant, depicting the designer’s journey through life.”  David said, “I’m thrilled by this award and want to thank the friends and family that pitched in to bring it together. It’s very unexpected given such a high quality collection of Showcase Gardens this year.”

David is pictured here with Gardeners' World presenter, Adam Frost.