Gold and silver gilt medals for Gloucestershire garden designers at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Leading horticulturalists from Tetbury and Cirencester have scooped top accolades at the world-renowned flower show in London.

By Emma Luther | Published Tuesday 23 May 2023

The gold medal winning Myeloma UK – A Life Worth Living Garden by Chris Beardshaw who lives near Cirencester.

Paul Hervey-Brookes's RBC Brewin Dolphin garden received a silver gilt medal. Picture by John Nguyen.

Two Gloucestershire garden designers have secured gold and silver gilt medals for their stunning show gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023.

Paul Hervey-Brookes from Tetbury and Chris Beardshaw, who is based near Cirencester, made a big impact with their creativity at the world-renowned show.

Hervey-Brookes was inspired by Gloucestershire, with some of his keys ideas drawn from many of the great gardens of the county, from Hidcote Manor Garden to Painswick Rococo Garden.

His silver gilt garden, sponsored by SoGlos partner RBC Brewin Dolphin, has a young couple in mind and celebrates sustainability as well as gardening knowledge passed down through the generations.

Paul Hervey-Brookes on his silver gilt medal winning show garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Hervey-Brookes said: ‘I used a diverse range of plants and materials to create a young couple’s garden to last a lifetime with a message that really resonates with me, around the importance of passing knowledge and lessons on to the next generation.

'We are pleased to have been awarded a silver gilt medal. The standard of garden designing this year is again very high and so it’s lovely that our garden has been recognised by the judging panel and is a nod to the team’s hard work and dedication over the last few months.'

Beardshaw’s gold medal garden for Myeloma UK creates a gentle environment that nurtures emotional calm, contemplation and reflection.

The proud owner of 15 RHS gold medals over the course of his horticultural career, said: ‘The foundation of the design emerged from listening to patients living with myeloma who have said they find personal strength and solace in beautifully detailed, powerful and transformative garden spaces.

Chris Beardshaw is delighted with his latest gold medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

‘The garden celebrates the spiritual value of being immersed in a beautiful garden which encourages one to pause, take a breath and to engage with the gentle beauty of curated nature. The essence of the space is a reminder to celebrate the moment.

'I'm delighted for Myeloma UK and all the team involved in the creation of this special garden which raised awareness of myeloma.'

RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from Tuesday 23 May to Saturday 28 May 2023.