Reaseheath undergraduates have pooled their talents to design and build a silver medal winning garden at the prestigious RHS Flower Show Tatton Park (July 20 – 24).

Will Parks, Anna Tyler and Laura Cartmell, who are studying for their Foundation Degree in Garden and Landscape Design, took up the challenge and were supported in the build by Dave Cutler and other fellow students.

The garden, ‘Heaven and Earth’ (site TP317), is one of eight displays making up the ‘Cheshire Gardens of Distinction’ exhibit, which itself has been awarded ‘Best Show Feature’. The combined displays celebrate the best horticultural venues and training providers in the county.

Heaven and Earth, in the back-to-back category, is in homage to influential landscape architect Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe. Its minimalistic style, reminiscent of the 1950s and the start of the space race, is inspired by the visionary roof garden designed and built by Sir Geoffrey  on the roof of Harvey’s store in Guildford High Street 60 years ago.

At that time, Sir Geoffrey was inspired by the launch of ‘Sputnik’ and the garden reflects this with a pool with stepping stones representing planets and an abstract backdrop of the ‘Plough’ constellation. It is designed for a young professional couple who need a tranquil escape from their busy careers in the City of London and uses water and textural planting to create a feeling of peace.

Will said: “This has been an amazing opportunity for all of us to showcase the practical and design skills we’ve learned on our course, Although it’s been hard work, the reaction of visitors who are enjoying our garden has made it all worthwhile.”