Garden contest invitation
Gardening enthusiasts are being invited to help judge the inaugural Scottish Garden Design Competition at the 2023 Scone Palace Garden Fair on June 2.
Ten talented finalists have been selected by a panel of judges including Dougal Philip and Lesley Watson, best known for their judging work at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s show gardens at Chelsea and Hampton Gardens.
Aimed at showcasing Scotland’s horticultural talent, the competition was launched in January 2023, and invited anyone with a love of gardening to design a small plot, themed to their choosing.
Viscount Stormont of Scone Palace commented:“following the inaugural Scone Palace Garden Fair in June 2021, the creation of the Scottish Garden Design Competition has been a natural evolution for the event – and it would seem it has struck a real chord with the gardening world!
“The quality and breadth of entrants in this first year has been truly impressive.
“It was important to us to ensure the competition was manageable and affordable, to allow as many people as possible to take part. “The 10 finalists have now been paired with the local nurseries and garden centres supporting them in bringing their creations to life for judging at the event with a £200 voucher each and plenty of expert advice.”
A diverse range of designs have made the final 10, including one a look to the future of Scottish gardens as weather conditions change; an inspired crevice garden using sandstone and rockery plants; and a twilight garden, designed to capture the beauty of the Scottish gloaming.
Two Scottish Garden Design Awards are up for grabs; Best Border Plot which will be judged and awarded prior to gates opening at 10am, and The People’s Choice Award which will be decided by visitors to the event on Friday, June 2, and presented at 1pm by Lady Mansfield.
Now in its second year, the Scone Palace Garden Fair celebrates the best of Scottish gardening with the country’s top plant nurseries, garden centres and societies, garden-related crafts, and outdoor furniture specialists.
Enthusiasts will also enjoy a series of gardening talks including presentations from Carole Baxter and George Anderson, and an opportunity to meet garden presenters from BBC’S Beechgrove Garden who will be around all weekend to offer advice and answer questions.
Tickets to Scone Palace Garden Fair are available on the Scone Palace website and include access to the gardens/grounds.