Like a heavenly Mediterranean courtyard
THIS beautiful courtyard garden has been judged the Best Small Garden at Southport Flower Show.
Sean Marsden, owner of Southport firm S Marsden Plastering & Building, was delighted to be presented with the trophy - along with a Silver Gilt certificate - by show opener Ainsley Harriott and former Gardeners’ World presenter Carol Klein.
Nala, a small courtyard garden sitting between painted, rendered buildings, is described as “a slice of heaven in a busy Mediterranean city”.
The garden, one of 19 at the show, boasts a centre piece of running water to drown out the sound of morning commuters.
There numerous scented plants surrounding two built-in seats, and a patio to complement the garden.
Sean said: “We’re in our 13th year of trading. We’ve been rendering the show gardens for the last six years and took the plunge this year and decided to build our own. We won a Silver Gilt and the Challenge Trophy for Best Small Garden in the show! I’m over the moon!
“The last three weeks have been mental but well worth it. Today has been great!
“The weather has made it. I was awarded my medal and trophy by Ainsley and Carol. There was a lot of interest in our garden and speaking with all the other gardeners they seem to have had the same.”
Being presented with his trophy by the two celebrities was one of many highlights of the opening day.
Sean said: “Ainsley and Carol were great. They were exactly like I expected. Both were bubbly and said lovely things about our garden.”
He was among gardeners and visitors impressed with the 2016 Southport Flower Show.
He said: “The organisers have done a fabulous job. The ground maintenance team, office staff and volunteers should be proud to be part of a fantastic show.”