Inspired by the theme of ‘The Good Life’, Dan Hartley’s Eco Oasis Garden is an urban outdoor space that combines eco-friendly elements with vibrant planting. Key to his garden is water conservation, which is integrated throughout the design by means of a long water trough for rainwater collection, strategically spaced pavers that enable water to permeate into the ground, and a rain garden to manage water runoff. A pergola frames the garden, and hedging, log piles, and pollinator-friendly planting encourage and sustain wildlife.
Judged by the Show Gardens assessment panel, which for 2024 consisted of garden and landscape designers – Roger Platts (Chair), Richard Barnard, Shaun Beale, Alex Froggatt, and Kerrie Gardiner.
Chair of Assessors, Platts, said: “The Eco Oasis Garden is well thought out with subtle changes in levels that make it easy to move around the garden. The build is extremely high quality with innovative water recycling features.”
Hartley said: “We’re over the moon to have won two awards for our first ever show garden. There have been a few challenges to overcome but working together, we managed to achieve what we set out to do and have loved minute of doing it.”
BBC Gardeners’ World Live takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 13-16 June. Highlights include the stunning Show Gardens, Beautiful Borders, and the Floral Marquee with its spectacular displays, the Hot Off The Potting Bench gallery of new plants and varieties, the Let’s Talk Plants stage and Plant Expert advice desk. New for 2024 in the Floral Marquee is the International Orchid Show, featuring displays by top orchid growers and societies.