GREEN-FINGERED students and staff at Pershore College are celebrating after the college was awarded a gold medal and the prestigious Best in Show award at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival.
Pershore College’s trade stand and show garden received the ultimate thumbs up by judges and also got royal approval from
Her Royal Highness Princess Anne during the Three Counties Showground event which took place between Thursday and Sunday (May 8 to 11).
The garden titled ‘Diamond Inspiration’ was designed by college student Nic Kirkham, on his second year studying BSc Horticulture, to celebrate 60 years of the college.
The garden featured sculptures to illustrate Pershore College’s achievements, developments and growth areas during its 60 year history.
Nic, 25, said: “I was so chuffed to have won the gold medal but to win Best in Show is fantastic. I thought we deserved it as we put so much effort in and I’m really proud of the garden and how it has turned out.
“It was also a real honour to show Princess Anne around the garden.
“It’s great for the college and was a real team effort – everyone did a great job and so many people helped us with donations and advice so I’d like to thank everyone involved.
“We started on the project in November, so it’s been a long process and we’ve put in a lot of hours over the two weeks to build and complete the garden, but it’s all been worth it.”
Meanwhile, BSc Organic and Sustainable Horticulture students and others grew a range of organic plants and herbs for sale in the trade stand.
The students planned, propagated, grew and sold the plants giving them real-life experience of the industry at the same time as studying for their qualifications. A spectacular floristry display by lecturer Sallie Campbell also attracted visitors to the
trade stand.
Another garden, built by pupils from Pershore High School and Pershore College tutor Paul Bearcroft, was commended in the school garden category.
The ‘Flower Power’ garden was inspired by the 60s, and featured a VW Camper Van, iconic milestones and planting to represent the theme.
Tamsin Jones, acting principal of Pershore College, added: “What a fantastic achievement for all our talented students and staff. I am so proud of them and all the hard work they have put in, it has been a real team effort.”
