After only their second showing at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show,
Finchale Training College has been rewarded for all their hard work and effort with a Gold Medal.
Last year on their first attempt they achieved a worthy Silver Medal but determined to achieve their ambition they lifted their game and returned with an even more memorable garden. Last year the brief was based on a young married couple with no children. This year it was based on local BBC television presenter Carol Malia who has recently became a mother. Therefore using the brief about Carol’s likes and dislikes and her one “must have” of a secluded spot she could call her own the
Finchale team designed a multifunctional low maintenance garden for a working mother who likes the garden but isn’t necessarily into gardening. All the family can use it and there are areas for the children, for al fresco dining but most importantly a secluded retreat for Mum to read and have five minutes to herself. The structure is made from traditional materials for a cosy yet contemporary feel with a planting which brightens the garden regardless of the season. They named it ‘Five Minutes for Mum’ for obvious reasons.
The judges were impressed too as in their feedback they all felt some of the other Colleges should take a leaf from Gary’s book on the use of plants and colours which are even more impressive when you realise all the other Colleges were either universities or specialist horticultural Colleges.
Other admirers of the exhibit also included John Lee, a previous trainee of Finchale College. Mr Lee trained in horticulture at Finchale from 1954- 1956 and is now Head Gardener of Temple Newsom Park in Leeds.
Despite the recent success at Harrogate, the College will not be resting on its laurels because even now they are planning another garden to take down to Cheshire for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Flower Show at Tatton Park. The College has been there previously and once again managed a Silver Flora. However it’s the Gold Standard which they are seeking to reach. Most of the trainees have no previous experience of a career in horticulture so a list of achievements like Harrogate and Tatton speaks volumes of their abilities.
Finally, the following weekend after Tatton they will be bringing the garden up to the local show at Gateshead for its swansong before it becomes a permanent feature in the College grounds. One of their medal winning gardens is already in the grounds and another is part of the features at Durham Crematorium.
The College would like to thank Marshalls Paving for their support and sponsorship of materials for Harrogate and Tatton.
Without the continued support of Marshalls Pavers Ltd and many others including:
- The Rhododendron Trust
- The David Brooke Charity
- The Barbour Trust
- The Hedley Foundation
Projects such as this would not be made possible.
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