Blooming marvellous garden designs

Visitors to the Malvern Spring Gardening Show this month will have the opportunity to view cutting edge garden designs inspired by ‘Dance’ and created by the 10 finalists in this year’s Chris Beardshaw Mentoring Scholarship.

Shortlisted from 45 applicants these budding garden designers have made it to the first selection stage of the 12 month scholarship scheme which is sponsored by Bradstone and supported by the Malvern Spring Gardening Show.

The winner will have the chance to work alongside award winning garden designer and broadcaster Chris Beardshaw, receive invaluable business advice and technical support from Aggregate Industries’ Bradstone business and gain work experience with nurseries and design contractors.

As part of their challenge the 10 finalists must produce a garden inspired by this year’s design theme of ‘Dance’ using Bradstone’s range of decorative paving and walling materials. Interpretations range from the entertainment of cabaret to the elegance of the Viennese Waltz. The gardens will be assessed by a panel comprising a representative from Malvern’s partner the Royal Horticultural Society, Bradstone and Chris Beardshaw.

Candidates will also be quizzed by the judges and the general public about their designs at ‘Meet The Scholar’ events in the Bradstone marquee.

Chris Beardshaw, who has been working in education for more than 12 years, said: “I am passionate about raising the profile and awareness of the landscape design industry, which was my inspiration for developing the Scholarship. This vocational scheme is unique as it brings together key players in the industry who all work together to fast track one individual.

“This year-long journey is primarily about passing on a passion and enthusiasm for making gardens that people fall in love with the new, upcoming designers. We want our scholar to end their year with no illusions about what it takes to become a professional landscape gardener.”

Group chief executive of Aggregate Industries Bill Bolsover said: “We are delighted once again to sponsor the Chris Beardshaw Mentoring Scheme and we are very much looking forward to seeing how the scholars have interpreted the theme of ‘Dance’. We are proud to showcase our wide range of innovative products at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show.”

The final stage of the competition takes place on the 7th May in the Design For Living Theatre. Five shortlisted candidates will put their case forward to the judging panel in a Dragon’s Den style grilling in front of a public audience.

One of the first tasks for the winner will be to work with Chris and current scholar Lindsay Anglin on ‘Dawn Chorus’ at the Chelsea Flower Show. This beautiful garden is being created to demonstrate what can be achieved at a fifth of the cost of a usual show garden budget.

For further information about the Chris Beardshaw Mentoring Scholarship visit chrisbeardshaw.com/scholarship. For further information about Bradstone and Bradstone products see bradstone-garden.com.