Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s garden has been announced as the ‘Best in Show’ at this year’s Harrogate Flower Show.
The ‘Reflection and Remembrance Garden’ has been designed by York based Kate Smithson.
The garden aims to provide a place of "remembrance and tranquillity" for those who have been affected by the work of YAA to remember and reflect on their experiences, or in memory of loved ones.
A lasting memorial, the garden will become a legacy for the community and beyond for years to come through lasting dedications to those we love, when it relocates to its permanent home in Roundhay Park later this year.
The garden was only made possible through generous sponsorship and funding from organisations including Redmayne Bentley, The North of England Horticultural Society, Woods of Harrogate, The Arnold Burton Charitable Trust, RB Gray Charitable Trust, Ilkley Charitable Trust, and The Peacock (Leeds) Trust.
Judges said:
“Well done... an excellent garden that followed the brief closely. Well scaled and in proportion.”
Tessa Klemz, Regional Fundraising Manager for YAA said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be named as ‘Best in Show’ at this year’s Harrogate Flower Show, as well as being presented with a Premier Gold Award.
"The garden has far exceeded our expectations and it’s been wonderful to have so much lovely feedback from the show visitors too who all love it as much as we do.
"Kate’s design captures exactly what we were looking for - to create a place of memories, tranquillity and peacefulness and we cannot thank her enough for the time and effort she’s put into the garden over many months.
"And also, to our landscaper Nick Fryer and his team who have taken Kate’s concept and built it to make it a reality – their craftmanship on the project is outstanding.”
Taking centre stage in the garden is a metal, yellow pergola which reflects the blades and colour of the YAA helicopters.
Soft, billowing planting and a central reflective pool celebrate the varied landscapes of Yorkshire that the helicopters fly over on a daily basis.
The space aims to exude calmness and tranquillity, contrasting the major trauma YAA deals with every day.
Designer Kate Smithson added:
“I am absolutely thrilled to have not only been awarded a Premier Gold Award, but also to be given the accolade of ‘Best in Show’.
"It has been a real honour and privilege to have designed this garden for YAA and to work with such a talented landscaper in Nick Fryer and his team.
"I hope the visitors to the show over the next few days will love the garden as much as I have loved designing it, and I look forward to developing it further for the public when it relocates to Roundhay Park permanently after the show.”
Once in its new home at Roundhay Park, YAA plans to utilise the garden for future fundraising and awareness too, allowing the public to leave lasting dedications to loved ones, or as a patient who has used their service.
Hospice officially opens new Boroughbridge shop
Knaresborough woman's appeal to find missing ashes ring
Harrogate pupils raise £386 for charity through Christmas Carols
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winner revealed
New premises will lead to expansion for Harrogate hearing specialist
Council grants £1,000 for Ripon history project
Harrogate community comes together to keep town's Christmas spirit alive
Yorkshire Air Ambulance welcomes new helicopter to its fleet
Yellow weather warning issued for strong winds this weekend
Harrogate’s Big Wheel to end tomorrow due to weather warning
Harrogate children raise £800 to help flush poverty down the loo
Christmas highlights on Your Harrogate Radio
Restaurant at luxury estate near Harrogate named in Michelin Guide
Harrogate youngsters first to ride new electric buses en route to meet Santa
Ripon students spread festive cheer to local care homes
Harrogate Self Care week set to return in New Year
Knaresborough charity shop celebrates fifth birthday
Harrogate school receives hi-vis donations to stay safe in winter
Mainstream schools in North Yorkshire to receive SEND support
Harrogate classic car club donate £1,750 to charity following annual show
