Chester-based BALI member Raynershine Landscapes Ltd (www.raynershine.co.uk) won a Gold Award and Best Show Garden. The garden, Strictly Come Dancing, encompassed the elegance and style found in the captivating world of ballroom dancing. The design combined elements of a practical garden linked seamlessly together with gentle flowing curves to generate movement and excitement. Water represented the integral features of ballroom dancing: the still pool caught the rhythmic water droplets and movement was depicted by the serpentine rill which flowed into the iconic mirror ball water feature. The abundant planting captured the moods and qualities of the different styles of dance: grasses and perennials in soft, pastel tones for the romantic waltz, contrasting with the dramatic, vibrant colours that allude to the Paso Doble. The aim of the design was to inspire visitors and demonstrate that, for both disciplines - gardening and dancing - once the principles are mastered the end results are very rewarding. 

 

BALI member W A P Lawton and Son Ltd from Knutsford, Cheshire, was contracted to build the BBC North West Tonight garden with Reaseheath College and won a Silver Gilt medal. The garden was designed by first year foundation degree students from Reaseheath College and built with other Reaseheath students. The display of colour from both the hard and soft landscaping was amazing. The theme of the exhibit was an urban community garden, which would improve and soften the solid lines of an urban area, hence the circular bands of planting and very much curvilinear design style. Barefoot surfacing (a permeable paving option) was used as a hard standing area.