OWNERS of the Blackdown Garden Centre near Wellington are celebrating exceptional success at the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026 this July.

During an outstanding week at the new show in the grounds of Badminton, they saw both the Blue Diamond Garden Centre sponsored Show Garden and its own Floral Marquee exhibit recognised with the highest honours by the Royal Horticultural Society.

The Blue Diamond-sponsored Show Garden, 'Where Grief Grows Quiet’, designed by Sophie Leo in support of Maggie’s the cancer care charity, was awarded an RHS Gold Medal, together with the ‘Best Construction Award’ and ‘Best Young Garden Designer of the Year Award 2026’.

It was recognised by the RHS judges as one of the standout exhibits of the inaugural show and also picked up a People's Choice Award, voted for by visitors to the first ever RHS Badminton Flower Show, at the end of the event.

Created as a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, healing and hope, ‘Where Grief Grows Quiet’ explores how gardens can provide comfort during life's most difficult moments. Its thoughtful planting palette, natural materials and beautifully crafted landscape resonated strongly with both judges and visitors alike.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres were proud to sponsor the project as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting emerging horticultural talent and recognising the positive impact gardens can have on wellbeing.

Adding to the celebrations, Blue Diamond's own exhibit in the Floral Marquee was also awarded an RHS Gold Medal.

Blue Diamond picked up Gold with this exhibit featuring home-grown plants from their six nurseries.
Blue Diamond picked up Gold with this exhibit featuring home-grown plants from their six nurseries.

Designed and constructed entirely by Blue Diamond's show team, and designed by Blue Diamond’s Anna King, the award-winning display featured exclusively home-grown plants from the company's six UK nurseries, showcasing the quality, expertise and craftsmanship behind the more than 13 million British-grown plants produced annually for its garden centres.

Group relationship manager for Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Jill Kerr, said: “This has been an incredible show for everyone at Blue Diamond Garden Centres.

“We are absolutely delighted for Sophie and everyone involved in bringing 'Where Grief Grows Quiet' to life. Winning an RHS Gold Medal is an incredible achievement, but to also receive the Best Construction Award and Best Young Garden Designer of the Year makes this an exceptional success.

“Receiving an RHS Gold Medal for our own Floral Marquee exhibit is also a tremendous achievement and a wonderful recognition of the passion, expertise and dedication of our nursery and show team.

“Plants in the display were grown by Blue Diamond in our UK nurseries, making this award especially meaningful for everyone involved.”

Designer Sophie Leo added: “Creating 'Where Grief Grows Quiet' has been an incredibly personal and rewarding journey. To receive this recognition from the RHS is overwhelming, and I'm so grateful to Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Maggie's, the construction team and everyone who helped make this garden a reality.”

Following the show, Sophie will donate plants from the garden to Maggie's centres across the UK, helping to extend the garden's legacy and provide beautiful, restorative spaces for the hundreds of people affected by cancer who visit Maggie's every day.