Graduates win Three BALI National Awards in their 50th Anniversary Year
The British Association of Landscape Industries’ National Landscape Awards provides the industry with a platform in which to
showcase the finest examples of landscaping excellence and improve their business while celebrating their achievements
both within and outside of the industry.
The prestigious 48th National Landscape Awards ceremony will be held at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London on Friday 6 December 2024.
This year Graduate Gardeners entered two gardens by designer Mark Draper and one by designer Ian Morrison and have won awards for all three:
- £100 – 250k category:
A private garden in West Oxfordshire - Over £250k category:
A private garden in North Cotswolds - Domestic Garden Soft Landscaping category:
A private garden near Cardiff
We are looking forward to see whether any of these win the coveted Principal Awards on the big day.
A private garden in West Oxfordshire
£100 – 250k category
The garden around the existing pool had been landscaped over 15 years ago, and the decking was severely rotten. The brief was to replace it with Millboard decking, expanding the area to include a covered sitting space while retaining the ‘bones’ of the original design, including mature Buxus cubes and planting squares within the deck.
The existing Indian sandstone terrace was replaced with modern porcelain paving, creating a contemporary look that complements the crisp lines of the new decking. The positioning of the covered sitting area, dubbed ‘The Shack’ by the clients, was integrated into the overall design along with the pool house.
An attempt at a wildflower area was readdressed towards the end of the project, enhancing this aspect in line with the client’s vision. The overall design successfully centred around the existing pool, updating features while maintaining a connection with the original aesthetic.
A private garden in North Cotswolds
Over £250k category
We were asked to design the garden for a property undergoing major renovations, including changes to the house footprint. Working closely with the architects, we ensured a seamless relationship between the house and garden, transforming both into an inviting living space.
Key elements involved relocating the drive, creating new parking and a garage, and converting the original garage into a garden room. Screening, tree planting, and fruit trees enhanced the connection to the landscape, while seating areas and an outdoor cooking space added comfort.
Soft planting, ornamental trees, and estate fencing added charm, blending the garden into the broader landscape. The clients are thrilled, and the transformed property—house and garden—exudes new life, with even more potential as it matures.
A Private Garden near Cardiff –
Domestic Garden Soft Landscaping Category
The client built a new property and needed the garden planted. The drive, pool, paving, and lawn areas were in place, but the garden needed softening.
The brief was to create interest with manageable maintenance. The front garden featured shrubs and grasses defining the lawn, with woodland planting in shaded areas. In front of the house, lawn was replaced with planting for a softened look. Yew balls added winter structure, with a cohesive colour palette.
An island in the drive was removed for better usability. The rear garden focused on softening the pool and perimeter planting, allowing space for activities. Parasol Hornbeams added structure, and paving near the house was lifted for planting. Yew hedging divided sections, while ornamental trees offered year-round interest.
Tech-line irrigation was installed, and borders mulched. The planting scheme will mature to bring softness and structure, fulfilling the client’s vision.