The 2018 Welcome to Yorkshire garden, inspired by the iconic Yorkshire Dales, was awarded the highest honour at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, receiving a gold award and then topping it off with the BBC’s People’s Choice Award.
The garden had been lovingly created by proud Yorkshireman Mark Gregory who marked his 30th consecutive year at the prestigious show. His design evoked a stunning Yorkshire landscape, with drystone walls, flower-filled meadows, a fast-flowing stream and tumbling beck. Centre stage was a picturesque and authentic stone bothy with a beautiful cottage garden filled with flowers and veg.
The garden proved a major hit with both celebrity and VIP guests who were wowed by a Yorkshire brass band (@bradfordbrass) and a genuine Wensleydale sheep on the launch day.
Thousands of people viewed and admired the garden throughout the show which showcased God’s own County to the entire world.
■ L-R Katherine Potsides, Show Manager RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Sir Gary Verity DL – Chief Executive Welcome to Yorkshire, Garden Designer Mark Gregory from Landform Consultants, Nicky Chapman. Image © www.yorkshire.com
Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said:
“To have won a Gold medal for the garden was incredible but to be voted the public’s favourite is just the icing on the cake! I’m thrilled for Mark Gregory and his team who have done such an amazing job in expertly recreating this beautiful slice of Yorkshire in SW3. I can’t thank everyone enough for all their hard work and dedication. The reaction to the garden from the public, celebrities and Her Majesty The Queen has been overwhelming and I couldn’t be prouder to bring the awards back for the people of Yorkshire.”
Mark Gregory, Garden Designer from Landform Consultants said:
‘This is unbelievable! I’m absolutely over the moon! Creating this garden on behalf of my home county has been an absolute joy. To meet the Queen, to get the gold and to get People’s Choice, it just doesn’t get any better than this! It’s been perfect!’
