Yeovil’s Brimsmore Gardens has woven Christmas magic and environmental care into a dazzling display that has earned it the National Champion title in the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual Christmas Display Competition. This prestigious award recognizes Brimsmore Gardens as the best in the Local Garden Centre Category, beating competitors nationwide.
This achievement marks the fifteenth occasion in 20 years that a centre from The Gardens Group has topped this competition. The group also celebrated additional successes: Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester secured second place nationally, and Castle Gardens in Sherborne became a finalist in the regional category for larger centres.
Judges, including GCA inspectors Alyson Haywood and Peter Walker, evaluated entries based on ambience, creativity, variety, layout, and tidiness. Haywood praised the remarkable creativity and immersive experiences, describing displays that featured glowing entrances, captivating scents, and storytelling that brought festive scenes to life. Walker highlighted the imaginative use of decor, lighting, and thematic elements that enriched every corner of the displays.
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The Gardens Group director, Louise Burks, led the curation of the themed displays at all three centres. Emphasizing sustainability, the teams used repurposed and recycled materials to create memorable scenes inspired by themes such as The Gruffalo, Alice in Wonderland, Tinsel Town, and a Highland Christmas. The eco-conscious approach extended to incorporating glass baubles, LED lighting, recycled candles, and plastic-free toys.
Louise Burks expressed immense pride in the teams’ achievements, noting Brimsmore Gardens’ second win in four years and Poundbury Gardens’ impressive runner-up position. “Our industry continually raises the standard, embracing eco-friendly and immersive experiences,” she said. “These awards reflect the passion and hard work of everyone at The Gardens Group.”
Visitors can experience the festive displays at Brimsmore Gardens, Castle Gardens, and Poundbury Gardens daily until Christmas Eve, enjoying both the magic and mindful creativity that define this year’s celebrations.