Castle Gardens and Brimsmore Gardens take 1st and 2nd in national Christmas competition

With The Gardens Group’s Christmas displays now in full swing, the Garden Centre Association (GCA) has announced that Castle Gardens in Sherborne has been awarded first prize in its national Christmas Competition, with Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil taking second place. This comes off the back of Brimsmore Gardens taking top honours in 2022, following ten wins for Castle Gardens in the preceding years.

Having been in the planning since January and consciously constructed behind closed doors over a three week period, all three of The Gardens Group’s Christmas displays were highly praised by GCA judges this year. Demonstrating consistency and a commitment to continual improvements in all areas, Brimsmore Gardens won the Wales & West section, while Poundbury Gardens came second in the South Thames standings, only topped in the region by Castle Gardens.

Currently open to the public seven days a week until Christmas Eve, this year’s Christmas displays at The Gardens Group incorporate heartwarming themes including a frosty Christmas walk, a gingerbread house, an enchanted forest and a peaceful Christmas. Devised and managed by The Gardens Group director, Louise Burks, these magical winter wonderlands feature more eco-friendly initiatives and products than ever before, including walkways constructed using repurposed and recycled materials, glass baubles, twinkly LED lights, recycled candles and plastic free toys.

Louise Burks, director of The Gardens Group, commented:

“I’m in awe of our team at The Gardens Group every year, as everyone pulls together to create something magical; always bigger, better and more eco-friendly than the year before. To win the top prize in the GCA Christmas Competition once again is so rewarding for us all, but to take second place as well, not to mention Poundbury Gardens finishing higher than ever before, makes 2023 the most special year of all. We’re always striving to enhance the experience, while helping our customers to reduce the environmental impact of their celebrations, so to have this recognised by our industry means a great deal to us.”

The Gardens Group’s Christmas displays are open to the public seven days a week until Christmas Eve, at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester.