Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s garden has been announced as the ‘Best in Show’ at this year’s Harrogate Flower Show.
Designed by York based Kate Smithson, the ‘Reflection and Remembrance Garden’ encompasses place of remembrance and tranquillity where those who have been affected by the work of YAA can go to remember and reflect on their experiences, or in memory of loved ones. A lasting memorial, the garden will become a legacy for the community and beyond for years to come through lasting dedications to those we love, when it relocates to its permanent home in Roundhay Park later this year.
The garden was only made possible through generous sponsorship and funding from organisations including Redmayne Bentley, The North of England Horticultural Society, Woods of Harrogate, The Arnold Burton Charitable Trust, RB Gray Charitable Trust, Ilkley Charitable Trust, and The Peacock (Leeds) Trust.
Judges comments included “well done… an excellent garden that followed the brief closely. Well scaled and in proportion.”
Taking centre stage in the garden is a metal, yellow pergola which reflects the blades and colour of the YAA helicopters. Soft, billowing planting and a central reflective pool celebrate the varied landscapes of Yorkshire that the helicopters fly over on a daily basis. The space aims to exude calmness and tranquillity, contrasting the major trauma YAA deals with every day.
Designer Kate Smithson added: “I am absolutely thrilled to have not only been awarded a Premier Gold Award, but also to be given the accolade of ‘Best in Show’. It has been a real honour and privilege to have designed this garden for YAA and to work with such a talented landscaper in Nick Fryer and his team. I hope the visitors to the show over the next few days will love the garden as much as I have loved designing it, and I look forward to developing it further for the public when it relocates to Roundhay Park permanently after the show.”
Once in its new home at Roundhay Park, YAA plans to utilise the garden for future fundraising and awareness too, allowing the public to leave lasting dedications to loved ones, or as a patient who has used their service.
