Hever Castle Wins Gold at Garden Awards 2015

September 22 2015 | Garden

Hever Castle received a Gold at the 2015 South & South East in Bloom awards held at the Amex Stadium Brighton on 11th September.

For the second year running, the Gardens received a glowing report from the Assessors who praised Head Gardener, Neil Miller, and his passionate team of gardeners for maintaining the extensive gardens to such an immaculate standard. They noted the “the combination of plants and Italianesque features set in various scenes and outdoor makes for a great place to visit for the budding horticulturist, gardener or casual visitor” as well as admiring that, “Floral schemes, Rose Gardens, Orchards, Climbers fine trees shrubs, Hever has it all”.

Hever Castle & Gardens scored highly on all accounts, particularly for the general landscape quality, commenting that the planting and layout of the gardens was exceptional with no need for advice.It was felt that the facilities were managed well, with a welcoming entrance and plenty of information available for the visitor. Each year, Britain in Bloom receives hundreds of entries from communities, schools, cities towns and villages who wish to participate from across the South and South East. Entering the ‘In Bloom’ campaigns has helped raise the standards of horticulture and awareness of environmental concerns, conservation of resources as well as ‘making places greener, cleaner and a pleasure to live in, work in and visit’.

Chief Executive of Hever Castle and Gardens, Duncan Leslie was delighted to hear of the award, “Huge congratulations to the Gardens Team on once again winning gold in the South & South East In Bloom Heritage Garden/Estate of the Year competition…and this is down to the hard work and aptitude of the Gardeners managing these areas”. Mr Leslie also gave a special mention to Ian Roots who won The Horticulture Achievement Award, saying “this is a testament to his hard work and perseverance“. 

The report concluded with “A special thanks to the whole gardening team for their dedication and horticultural skills in maintaining this very fine garden”.