The Artist’s Garden by Derby College Group horticulture students at BBC Gardeners’ World Live
The award-winning project attracted widespread attention at the NEC Birmingham, including visits from leading figures in gardening and horticulture, such as Monty Don, and a feature on the BBC Gardeners’ World programme.
Award-winning gardening and landscaping excellence
The show garden was designed and built entirely by students on DCG’s adult part-time Level 3 Horticulture Practical Skills course, based at Broomfield Hall in Morley, Ilkeston.
Guided by course tutor Paul Brady, the team demonstrated exceptional skill across horticulture, landscaping, and garden design.
In addition to the Silver Medal, the garden was named runner-up in the prestigious People’s Choice Award, voted for by visitors attending Gardeners’ World Live.
BBC Gardeners’ World recognition and celebrity visits
Monty Don stood with the garden designer, Denise Rice, at BBC Gardeners’ World Live
The success of ‘The Artist’s Garden’ was further highlighted when:
- Adam Frost was filmed walking through the garden for the BBC Gardeners’ World programme
- Monty Don visited the garden during the show
- Other notable visitors included Frances Tophill, Sue Kent, Professor Alice Roberts and Gennaro Contaldo
This marked the first time in DCG’s 25-year history at the show that a presenter has been filmed walking through a college-built garden — a major milestone in its gardening and landscaping achievements.
A unique gardening design rooted in horticulture and creativity
Monty Don visiting The Artist’s Garden created by Derby College Group horticulture students at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, speaking with students beside planting and garden structures
The garden’s designer, Denise Rice of The Garden Spirit, is also a student on the course, showcasing a powerful example of collaborative learning in horticulture education.
Inspired by a real Derbyshire artist’s garden, the design reflects:
- Over 70 years of creative evolution
- A strong connection between art, gardening and making
- A blend of traditional cottage garden landscaping with artistic expression
Key landscaping features
The 11m x 9m garden includes:
- Herbaceous planting and floral displays
- A rustic arch framed by vibrant perennial planting
- A willow arbour made from locally grown materials
- Reclaimed Bonsall limestone pathways with handcrafted mosaics
- A small orchard with meadow grass
- Productive vegetable beds at the heart of the garden
The mosaics, created by Denise, used vintage china donated by communities in Belper, Swadlincote and Leicester, giving new life to cherished items while enhancing the garden’s storytelling.
Engaging the public at Gardeners’ World Live
Throughout the week, students engaged with thousands of visitors, discussing:
- Gardening techniques
- Horticulture practices
- Landscape design principles
The public response played a key role in securing the People’s Choice runner-up award, reinforcing the garden’s appeal among gardeners and enthusiasts.
This achievement adds to DCG’s strong track record in garden design and horticulture competitions, including:
- Silver Gilt (2025)
- Platinum Award (2024)
- Silver Merit Award (2023)
What the team said
Jon Collins, Vice Principal at Derby College Group said:
“We already knew our students had won a Silver Medal, but what has really struck us since is just how much attention ‘The Artist’s Garden’ attracted at the show itself.
“Having Monty Don visit, and Adam Frost filmed walking through the garden for the BBC Gardeners’ World programme, is recognition of a different kind; it shows that what our students built genuinely stands alongside the best in the industry.
“Being named runner-up for the People’s Choice Award on top of that tells you everything about how visitors responded to their work. I couldn’t be prouder of the team.”
Paul Brady, Teacher of Horticulture at Derby College Group added:
“This is exactly the kind of real-world challenge that brings out the very best in our students.
“Designing and constructing a show garden for BBC Gardeners’ World Live requires every skill they have developed on the programme: plantsmanship, construction, design and teamwork, and they have risen to it brilliantly.
“The concept of The Artist’s Garden is beautiful, and the students threw themselves into every detail of the build with incredible dedication. I am enormously proud of what they have achieved.”
Show garden designer, Denise Rice of The Garden Spirit said:
“Studying Garden Design and RHS Practical Horticulture at Derby College has given me the skills and confidence to design and help build an award-winning show garden at Gardeners’ World Live.
“It was an amazing experience bringing my design to life, and even more rewarding to receive a Silver Medal and be named runner-up in the People’s Choice Award.
“The event itself was unforgettable – I had the pleasure of meeting inspiring figures in the gardening world, including Frances Tophill, Sue Kent, Adam Frost and Monty Don, as well as Professor Alice Roberts and chef Gennaro Contaldo.
“Having Adam Frost filmed walking through my garden for the Gardeners’ World programme was a real ‘pinch me’ moment, and I later learned it was the first time in the college’s 25-year history at the show that a presenter had been filmed walking through one of our gardens.
“Every element of the garden was thoughtfully designed, especially the hand-crafted mosaics I created using vintage china generously donated by the wonderful people of Belper, Swadlincote and Leicester, giving these treasured pieces a new lease of life while preserving the stories and memories they hold, which brought a real sense of community and meaning to the project.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of my lecturer, Paul Brady, my fellow students, and our sponsors, and it has given me the confidence and foundation to launch my own business, The Garden Spirit.
“This may be the end of one chapter, but it’s also the beginning of the next, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”
A spokesperson from Derbyshire Historic Buildings said:
“Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust was proud to support ‘The Artist’s Garden’ at BBC Gardeners’ World Live.
“The garden’s thoughtful use of reclaimed and locally sourced materials, including the handcrafted mosaics, reflects the same spirit of care, craftsmanship and respect for heritage that underpins our own work across Derbyshire.
“We were delighted to see the talent of DCG’s students recognised with a Silver Medal, and we look forward to continuing to support the next generation of skilled craftspeople in the county.”
Sustainable gardening and horticulture in action
In line with DCG’s sustainability commitment:
- Materials were locally sourced and reclaimed wherever possible
- The garden will be dismantled, repurposed and rehomed after the event
The project was supported by sponsors including:
- Bostock Foundation
- Derbyshire Historic Gardens Trust
- Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust
- Aqualife
- Willshee’s Waste & Recycling
- RUF Briquetting Systems
- Morgan & Bond
- James Hallam Insurance Brokers
- Rowlawn
