A Guernsey garden designer has won two prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) awards at the RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026.
The Blue Diamond-sponsored show garden by Sophie Leo was awarded an RHS Gold medal, the ‘Best Construction Award’ and the ‘Best Young Garden Designer of the Year Award’.
Her piece, ‘Where Grief Grows Quiet’, was created as a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, healing and hope.
She created it in support of Maggie’s – a charity offering free psychological, emotional and practical support for people with cancer as well as their family and friends.
It also explores how gardens can provide comfort during life’s most difficult moments.
“Creating ‘Where Grief Grows Quiet’ has been an incredibly personal and rewarding journey,” said Ms Leo.
“To receive this recognition from the RHS is overwhelming, and I’m so grateful to Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Maggie’s, the construction team and everyone who helped make this garden a reality.”
Plants from the piece will be donated to Maggie’s centres across the UK, helping to provide beautiful, restorative spaces for the hundreds of people affected by cancer who visit Maggie’s every day.
Alongside this Blue Diamond’s Floral Marquee received a RHS Gold medal.
Designed and constructed entirely by Blue Diamond’s show team, it showcased the quality, expertise and craftsmanship behind the more than 13 million British-grown plants produced annually for its garden centres.
Group relationship manager for Blue Diamond Garden Centers, Jill Kerr said: “It’s a tremendous achievement and a wonderful recognition of the passion, expertise and dedication of our nursery and show team.
“Plants in the display were grown by Blue Diamond in our UK nurseries, making this award especially meaningful for everyone involved.”
