Capel Manor College has been awarded Gold in the College Gardens category at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair 2025.

Designed and built by students on the Level 2 Professional Gardener Diploma, the College’s show garden Aspects of Nature was recognised for its excellence in design, horticultural knowledge, sustainability and execution. The award was presented on Friday 2 May at the BBC Gardener’s World Spring Fair event in Beaulieu, Hampshire.

This marks the second consecutive year Capel Manor College has achieved Gold at the Spring Fair, following last year’s success with Come Rain or Shine.

Responding to the event’s theme, Nature’s Art Within a Garden, this year’s garden explored how nature creates beauty in contrasting environments. Featuring two distinct sides, the design expressed this duality through thoughtful use of texture, light, decay and growth.

Judges praised Aspects of Nature for its clear concept, detailed planting, creative use of repurposed materials, and its sensory and educational value. From moss-covered logs and fungal textures on the woodland-inspired dark side to sun-loving, drought-tolerant planting and sculptural focal points on the Mediterranean-style light side, the garden delivered a compelling and immersive visitor experience.

Zephaniah Lindo, Head of Curriculum for Horticulture and Landscape at Capel Manor College, said:

“Winning Gold is a huge achievement and well-deserved recognition for the commitment, professionalism and creativity our students have shown. This project challenged them to think deeply, work to a live brief and produce something with real public impact. They’ve done that and more.”

Students were present at the award announcement and spoke with visitors throughout the weekend, sharing the inspiration and process behind the build. The experience offered valuable industry exposure and hands-on learning that goes far beyond the classroom.

Following the show, elements of Aspects of Nature will be relocated to Capel Manor College’s five campuses across London, where they will continue to inspire future students and the wider community.

Capel Manor College would like to thank its generous supporters for helping bring this garden to life: Caradon Stone, Bradstone, Wood Green Timber and Caley Bros. Mushrooms.