As part of the diploma in Garden Design course, I was chosen from a group of students to design and build a show garden for this year's prestigious event at Gardening Scotland. My show garden was awarded the Silver Gilt at the highest level by the judges of the show, only just missing out on a Gold by a few points. Not bad for a first attempt!! The feedback from the Judges was fair and If I ever get the chance to be involved in such a great experience again I'm sure I can go that small step further.

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The build was fraught with all manner of challenges from fund raising during these difficult economicl times, managing the  entire build, logistics, not to mention time management of all my other studies.  I got there in the end and it was worth all the blood, sweat and tears along the way.

 

​​I would like to thank all of the visitors at this year's event for all there kind words and appreciation for my design, it was a long weekend and without your time to stop and talk to me I do not know how I would have coped.  So Thank You all very much indeed, you have given me the confidence to persue my future career in Garden Design and who knows, maybe Chelsea one day!!

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I would also like to thank all of the Sponsors for their donations and discounts along the way.

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The Leaflets which you may have been given at the show were kindly donated for FREE by Minute Man Press in Ayr. They were produced to the upmost quality and professionalism. Thanks Jeff. www.61kyle.minutemanpress.co.uk

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The immacuate Stone used for the stepping stones and the floor of the grotto was also donated for FREE by the Stone Cellar near East Kilbride. Thanks Alistair. www.stonequote.com

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The Timber used to construct the Grotto was very kindly supplied at a discounted rate by Silva Timber so thanks Stephen, The Western Red Cedar really did set off the whole garden and it received a lot of enquiries so I hope they find there way to you. www.silvatimber.co.uk

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The plants were purchased from Mclaren's Nursery at a discounted rate and also received praise for their quality. Thanks Diane and all the staff at Mclarens for putting up with this awkward customer coming back and swapping things at the last minute. I look forward to working with you for a long time. www.mclarensnurseries.co.uk

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Ayrshire Rivers Trust donated the internal lining material which concealed the workings inside the grotto and set of the living wall panel. Thanks Helen. www.ayrshireriverstrust.org

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The Friends of Auchincruive in Ayr and the Dancing Goat in Neilston both very kindly gave cash donations which were very much needed and appreciated. The money was used to purchase the plants which I hope you agree Looked amazing on the day.

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A Huge Thanks must also go to Binny Plants in Uphall who were not on the leaflet as I only contacted them at 6.55am on the day of the Judging as some of the plants I had brought did not travel well and I had space to fill. Binny Plants were also displaying a huge flower arrangement at Gardening Scotland 2013 and despite their own commitments, opened early and allowed me to choose whatever plants I liked to be returned at the end of the show at no cost. I can't stress enough how much I appreciated this gesture by Billy. So thanks again!! www.binnyplants.com

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Finally just a word to say how nice it was to spend time and meet all of the other exhibitors at this year's show and hopefully I will see you all next year if not before. Kind Regards to All, Barry Small, The Garden Designers Grotto.