Double gold for Myerscough gardens at Southport Flower Show

Monty Don visits the Myerscough Show Gardens at the 2018 Southport Flower Show

Myerscough work-based staff and learners were given the task of bringing to life the winning entries in the annual Schools Design-a-Garden Competition, with both finished show gardens awarded Gold by the judges.

The competition is for junior school pupils in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 and this year they were tasked with designing an attractive, eco-friendly garden, with ‘Once Upon A Time’ as the theme, incorporating the use of plants, colours, recycled matter – and a lot of imagination. The two winners - Misha Kamran, from Tonacliffe Primary in Rochdale, and Sophia Steer, from Helmshore Primary in Rossendale – had their winning designs built into real gardens for the Southport Flower Show by Myerscough College's work-based staff and apprentices.

The Show Gardens have already been enjoyed by a number of celebrities at the event, including Gardeners’ World host and horticulturalist, Monty Don, and TV presenter, Anita Rani.

The original paper designs were judged by a team of garden specialists and horticulturalists and the two winning designs, together with 10 runners-up, selected. The two winning designer each receive a £50 cash prize and their schools will receive a £500 Bents voucher to enhance their grounds. The 10 runners-up, with families and teachers, are also be invited to the show and receive a £50 Bents voucher for their school grounds.

Nick Atkinson, Myerscough College’s Assistant Head of Apprenticeships and Skills, has been involved with building the show gardens for a number of years and remains ever impressed by the designs that are entered.

He said: “We have a huge response to the competition every year and as ever the standard of entries was very high. The competition is a great for young people interested in gardening and I’ve been really impressed by the designs.’’

“It’s great to be recognised. Thanks to the tutors and all of our learners who helped create them.’’

The gardens will be on display during the rest of the show and always receive a great deal of attention from the tens of thousands of visitors who attend every year.

The Southport Flower Show runs until Sunday.