A talented team of Horticulture and Landscaping students from Merrist Wood College and University Centre is set to captivate thousands of visitors with a stunning showcase garden at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, taking place at Beaulieu in the New Forest from 2–4 May.
This marks the third consecutive year that Merrist Wood students have competed at the event, having won a platinum prize and accolade of Best in Show at last year’s event, underlining the College’s longstanding reputation for excellence in land-based education and garden design.
Meet the team
Led by students Archie Brooks (17), Oli Adcock (19), Harry Bulmer (18), and Olly Childs (20), the team is once again delighted to be mentored by award-winning garden designer Cherry Carmen, having spent the past few months meticulously designing and planning their garden in preparation for the prestigious College Gardens competition. They are among four colleges selected to take on the 2025 challenge.
About the Garden: Nature’s Gallery
The Merrist Wood’s show garden, titled Nature’s Gallery, presents a thoughtful interpretation of this year’s theme, ‘Nature’s Art within the Garden’.
Blending creativity, sustainability and horticultural skill, the garden will invite visitors into a tamed woodland setting Inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, the garden represents the beauty of natural forms and sustainable design.
The design makes extensive use of reclaimed and repurposed materials sourced from around the College’s 400-acre estate, celebrating creative reuse and environmental responsibility. Each element, from fallen trees to reclaimed wood, plays a role as a living canvas, showcasing nature’s ability to adapt and evolve.
Jo Manser, Director at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, said: “We are always incredibly proud of our talented students, who never fail to produce outstanding work. Their passion, creativity, and dedication shine through in every project they undertake, and this garden is no exception. We look forward to sharing their vision and hope it will inspire others to appreciate the beauty and potential of the natural world. We wish the team all the very best of luck with the Merrist Wood College show garden of 2025!”
Merrist Wood College is a multi-award-winning institution specialising in land-based industries. Offering more than 80 courses from foundation to degree level, the College is renowned nationally and internationally for excellence in Horticulture, Landscaping, Arboriculture, Equine, Agriculture, and Animal Management.
With over 40 years of experience in horticulture education, Merrist Wood’s specialist facilities include extensive horticultural nurseries, science labs, machinery such as tractors and excavators, and large green spaces for hands-on training. Currently undergoing a transformative new build project which will give the college two extensive and state-of-the-art learning spaces as well as brand new horticulture glasshouses, the College maintains strong industry links with organisations including the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
In the past, Merrist Wood students’ work has been showcased at high-profile events such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, gaining widespread recognition for innovation and excellence.
Visit the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair
Why not come and visit the Merrist Wood show garden yourself! The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair marks the start of the gardening season, celebrating new shoots, blooms, and longer, warmer days. Visitors can enjoy a full day of inspiration, talks, shopping, and access to Beaulieu’s attractions, including the National Motor Museum and Palace House.
Tickets are on sale now at www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com