The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) has won a Platinum medal for The Pursuit of Excellence Garden and been named Best Showcase Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair – the latest in a series of award-winning schemes this year.
Built in just three days at Audley End House in Saffron Walden, Essex, the garden was one of several 30th anniversary gardens APL members created for UK shows, all highlighting quality, design, build, and stunning planting schemes.
The garden was designed by Designscape to a planting plan by Bramley Apple Garden Design. It was built by APL members Landscapes by Design, TKE Landscaping, Holland Landscapes and Haldon Construction, plus non-members Daryl Gannon Landscapes and P R Kedge Landscapes and features large-format geometrical shapes and colours.
Four planting zones
Starting in an area of calm and beauty, the four planting zones provide height and structure, framing the central water feature. Biodiverse planting encourages wildlife and vertical planks offer seating area privacy, providing a glimpse of the area ahead. Within this zone, there’s planting offering suggestions for architectural and drought-tolerant planting.
Judges praised the garden design and the skills and craftsmanship of professional landscapers – impressed that a 60m² garden was built so quickly.
“We wanted to continue with the theme of promoting design and landscape excellence at Audley End,” said Phil Tremayne, APL general manager, “so I reached out to members for support.
“Two designers, six landscapers, a concept, a plan, sponsors, three days to build, Best Showcase Garden and a Platinum award… I couldn’t be happier.”
High-quality designs
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.
APL is a specialist group of the HTA made up of its landscaper and garden designer members who meet rigorous standards of quality and professionalism. In 2025, the APL is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The APL is the only landscaping scheme operator of TrustMark, a government initiative that promotes professional trade to consumers. Members of the APL are regularly inspected and agree to follow a customer charter with clients.
www.landscaper.org.uk
Photo credit: BBC Gardeners’ World events