Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s garden has been crowned best in show at the Harrogate Flower Show 2024.
The charity’s Reflection and Remembrance Garden encompasses the service that the organisation provides, while providing tranquil space for those who have been affected by the work of the air ambulance to remember and reflect.
Designed by Kate Smithson, a York-based horticulturist, in collaboration with landscaper Nick Fryer and his team, the garden was awarded the prestigious accolade because judges felt it was ‘well scaled and in proportion… an excellent garden that followed the brief closely’.
Tessa Klemz, regional fundraising manager for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said:
“The garden has far exceeded our expectations and it’s been wonderful to have so much lovely feedback from the show visitors too who all love it as much as we do.
“Kate’s design captures exactly what we were looking for — to create a place of memories, tranquillity and peacefulness and we cannot thank her enough for the time and effort she’s put into the garden over many months.
“And also, to our landscaper Nick Fryer and his team who have taken Kate’s concept and built it to make it a reality – their craftsmanship on the project is outstanding.”
(Image: YAA)
The main feature of the garden is a yellow pergola, representing the blades and colour of the air ambulance helicopters, with the planting and central water feature celebrating the varied landscapes of Yorkshire.
Kate Smithson added:
“I am absolutely thrilled to have not only been awarded a premier gold award, but also to be given the accolade of best in show.
“It has been a real honour and privilege to have designed this garden for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and to work with such a talented landscaper in Nick Fryer and his team.”
The garden will now move to its permanent home in Roundhay Park, near Leeds, where it is expected to be officially unveiled this year.
Designer Kate Smithson (Image: YAA)
Yorkshire Air Ambulance plans to utilise the garden for future fundraising and awareness too, allowing the public to leave lasting dedications to loved ones or as individuals who have used the service.
The garden was funded through charitable donations and sponsorship from organisations that include Redmayne Bentley, The North of England Horticultural Society, Woods of Harrogate, The Arnold Burton Charitable Trust, RB Gray Charitable Trust, Ilkley Charitable Trust, and The Peacock (Leeds) Trust.
Read more:
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- The jobs to do in your garden right now
