After their triumphant Silver Merit win at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair just a few weeks ago, BTC’s talented RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) students have struck gold again at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show, securing not one but two coveted gold medals.

The students from the RHS Level 2 and Level 3 Horticulture courses spent months designing breath-taking show gardens for the pop-up gardens competition. Frantic building work followed, as in a mere two days, they brought their magnificent gardens to life.

This year’s competition theme was sustainability, and both teams showcased their unique take on the concept. The Level 3 team incorporated a plethora of recycled materials and an exquisite array of plants, some of which were supplied by the Walled Gardens of Cannington. The Level 2 team embraced the notion of edibles, crafting a garden where every plant was not just beautiful but also edible. Many of these plants surprised visitors with their hidden culinary potential.

Both gardens surpassed expectations, earning the highest honour—a Gold Medal. The students were delighted with the result which was a fitting reward for the considerable effort they had put in.

As the Show unfolded over the following days, visitors were invited to vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ award, and it was the Level 2 garden that proved most popular among the public and took home the award.

Lucy, one of the gold-winning students, said,

“As a team, we were overjoyed to receive the People’s Choice Award. Our aim was to demonstrate that, regardless of the size of your garden, you can cultivate food to nourish yourself and the surrounding wildlife. We hope to inspire people to embrace the wonders of growing their own produce!”

Nigel Cox, Course Leader, added,

“This year has been a whirlwind of activity for our RHS students, and participating in the Show was the perfect culmination of their year of growth and learning. Engaging in the design and construction of a garden is an incredible challenge, and this practical application of knowledge is an essential part of preparing students for successful careers in the horticulture industry.”

The accomplishments at the Royal Bath & West Show capped a busy year for the RHS students, who are now preparing for their final exams as they near the completion of their courses.

Find out more about RHS courses at BTC here: https://www.btc.ac.uk/find-a-course/adult-learning/horticulture-gardening-landscape-design/