Eight gardens have won gold medals at this year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show.
The overall quality of the gardens at the Show have impressed the judging panel, but they singled out eight gardens for particular praise, awarding them each a prestigious gold medal.
Those gardens were designed by Christchurch designers Rebecca Hammond and Grant Stephens (H & S Landscapes); Weta Workshop’s The Gloaming creator Johnny Fraser-Allan with Andy Ellis and Danny Kamo; UK designers Harfleet + Fisher Tomlin + Harfleet; Auckland City Council; CPIT Bachelor of Architectural Studies students; Christchurch’s Terra Viva; Wellington landscape design student Bayley LuuTomes and Wellington designer Ben Hoyle (Blue Gecko).
Singled out for Silver Distinction medals were Auckland designers Adam Shuter and Tony Murrell (Shuter Design and Murrell Group), Christchurch designers Jay Van Lent and Stephen Mapletoft (ARKO) and Otorohanga Council.
Silver medals went to Kapiti Coast children from Raumati South Primary School and Christchurch landscaper Scott Fletcher (Insero Design), Lincoln University’s Ryan Morton, Asburton District Council and a second team of CPIT Bachelor of Architectural Studies students.
Hort Galore gold medals this year were awarded to Christchurch Woodturners’ Association for their Alice’s Adventures in Woodland: After the tea party, the NZ Alpine Society and the Christchurch Bonsai Society. Floral Art Gold went to Annika Horgan, from Nectar in Tai Tapu.
Convenor of Judges Andrew Fisher Tomlin (who was not involved in the judging of his own gardens), from Britain says the top awards this year have come from a wide variety of exhibits.
“There is no distinct theme this year, each designer has followed their own heart. We have a vastly diverse range, from gardens like Revolutionising Reuse with amazing recycled elements, to sophisticated and slick gardens like Modern Day Moa.
“I am very impressed by the big ideas and simple messages this year’s designers are showing at Ellerslie. They demonstrate a deep understanding of core design values, as well as high quality material finish and horticultural excellence.”
Fisher Tomlin, who has just been named garden designer of the year at Britain’s New Home Gardens Awards has high-calibre international credentials. He is a director of the London College of Garden Design and sits on the selection panel for the Chelsea Flower Show.
“I am a firm believer in new designers leading the way and with so many innovative new takes on gardens at Ellerslie this year I can see people saying “I never expected that, but I could do it at home.”
“Ellerslie’s variety really will wow visitors this year – and the next generation of garden professionals.”
For more information: www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz
