A team of passionate local gardening and history enthusiasts has been awarded the highest accolade at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, securing a prestigious Platinum Award for their garden, Echoes of Water, Circles of Time.
Created by the team behind Gardens With Meaning, which specialises in historically themed gardens, the award-winning exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the rich history of Leamington Spa. The design traces the town’s transformation from a modest medieval village to the diverse, vibrant and forward-looking technological hub it is today.
Colour plays a central role in telling the town’s story. Elegant white planting reflects Leamington’s Regency heritage before gradually giving way to richer, more vibrant colours that symbolise increasing diversity and global connections. Throughout the garden, subtle references to key moments in the town’s history can be discovered, including nods to elephants, tennis and camouflage, alongside innovative “circuit-board insects” representing Leamington’s modern reputation as “Silicon Spa”.
Inspired by the message “Many Cultures, One Town”, the garden celebrates both the shared heritage and future of the local community. Every feature has been carefully selected for its historical significance, while the planting scheme has been designed to create a sense of tranquillity, reflection and connection.
Members of the Gardens With Meaning team said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved a Platinum Award for our design. It has been an honour to showcase our local history and create something special that celebrates inclusivity, diversity and community.”
Echoes of Water, Circles of Time is on display at BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC Birmingham from 18–21 June. The team is now seeking a permanent home for the garden in Leamington, where it can continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.
Anyone interested in providing a permanent location for the garden is encouraged to contact Gardens With Meaning.