Plan Your Dream Garden Now!

Garden Design by Lime Orchard

Thinking about spending time in the garden may be the furthest thing from your mind as the warm Summer weather fades in to Autumn. But if you are hoping to make some improvements to your outdoor space you really need to start planning this side of Christmas if you want the project completed in time for Spring 2014.
Lime Orchard - an exciting local garden design and build service - is on hand to help you achieve your dream outdoor living zone.

We specialise in the creation of refreshingly stylish, beautifully crafted garden spaces!

 AUTUMN OFFER

FREE Plants worth £120

Design your Dream Garden with Lime Orchard this Autumn and receive free plants worth up to £120.00, once the construction* work has been completed

Simply commission a garden design with us before 31 OCTOBER 2013 quoting offer code LO13AUT

*Subject to a minimum spend of £3,000 inc VAT
Terms & Conditions Apply - Contact Lime Orchard for details

Lime Orchard's Services

As well as high quality Landscape Construction our services include:

Initial Consultation - FREE

Meet with an experienced designer in your home to formulate a brief and identify the specific needs in relation to your garden. We’ll discuss ideas and advise on how to deal with some of the issues that can impact on realising a plan.

Full Design Service – from £395.00
The next step is to create a fully detailed, scaled, coloured master plan. Our designers work with you to ensure every detail is considered and included. Every garden is different, so, we provide you with a bespoke proposal and costing specific to your project. Our starting price is indicative of a garden (or part of garden) that is up to 200m2 and free from significant complications.

Planting Plans – from £150.00
You may already have a hard landscaping scheme or could be looking to liven up a small corner. If so we can provide prices to develop a professional planting plan for an existing garden

Make the Most of Professional Garden Design

Before you meet with a designer to discuss your dream garden aspirations, you need to review the existing space and identify what you’d like to achieve from your outside living accommodation. Here are some useful pointers to get your thinking on track:

- Ahead of any plotting out of what goes where, make a note of where the sun falls when, so you can plan a dining area in dappled shade; a sun-bathing area in full sun and a children's play area somewhere cool and sheltered

- Think about privacy. Do you need to work in some tall planting or trellis somewhere so that neighbours can't see into your garden?

- Will you need to put in an outside tap for a hosepipe? Or, perhaps, if you have kids, a hot tap will be handy, too, for the (few) times it's warm enough to fill up the paddling pool in the summer

- Be realistic about what you can achieve in your garden if you have children and / or pets. There's little point in creating a splendid display of delicate flowers if you live in constant fear of it being destroyed by boisterous kids or a playful pet!

- Ponds are probably a no no if you have young children due to the obvious safety hazard they represent - with an average of five children under the age of six drowning in garden ponds in the UK each year, according to RoSPA. If you want water, you could instead consider a pebble pond or a water feature that has no water basin, thereby eliminating any risk to children

- What storage will you need now and in the future? You should allow space for not just garden tools, but probably DIY tools, too. Plus, garden furniture, children's toys and bikes

- Do you plan to do much entertaining in the garden? Think about easy access to the kitchen and a dedicated ‘eating’ zone These are just a sample of some of the questions you need to ask yourself, for more ideas, advice and inspiration visit

Plus Win an Inspirational Visit to Chelsea Flower Show 2014!

With ticket's selling out weeks before the first public day, the Chelsea Flower Show is one of THE hottest events in the gardening and social calendar! Make sure you get your tickets FREE - Courtesy of Lime Orchard!

Simply enter our prize draw here > http://www.limeorchard.co.uk/chelsea_flower_show.html

No purchase necessary

Why not speak to a member of the Lime Orchard design team to get a fresh new perspective on how to get the very best out of your outside room? 

Visit www.limeorchard.co.uk or call 0845 539 1467

Chelsea Flower Show 2013 Ticket Winner

The lucky winner of a pair of tickets to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013 is:

Leslie T. from Bootle

The winner has been notified by
email and we look forward to seeing them there!

If you are not one of the lucky winners then please visit our website for details of how you can bring a little Chelsea Flower Show magic to your own back garden, courtesy of Lime Orchard.

Plus you can enter the draw to win tickets for Chelsea 2014 here:

http://www.limeorchard.co.uk/chelsea_flower_show.html 

Win Chelsea Flower Show 2013 Tickets

With ticket selling out weeks before the first open day, the Chelsea Flower Show is one on THE hottest events in the gardening and social calendar! Make sure you get your tickets FREE - courtesy of Lime Orchard garden design!

To enter* our Free Prize Draw all you simply compete the form at the link below. The first name out of the hat by the closing date will win a pair of tickets (worth at least £98) to Chelsea Flower Show  2013

For more information on this year's show, visit the RHS Web site click here >

Special Guided Tour

In addition to the free tickets, our winner will receive a unique guided tour of the Chelsea Flower Show by our very own RHS Medal Winning Designer, Ian Dexter! Ian will be able to give you a unique insight in to the work that goes on behind the scenes in creating the marvelous show gardens and his own critic of this year's entries.

Last year's prize draw winners, Steve and Alexandra had a fabulous day at the 2012 Chelsea Flower show, courtesy of Lime Orchard!

Steve commented “we enjoyed ourselves immensely (apart from the heat and the huge crowds). The exhibits gave us a few ideas but at the moment I am sticking to sunbathing as it is too hot to swing a spade”

Get ready for Chelsea 2013 - enter our prize draw to win tickets at our web site! http://www.limeorchard.co.uk/chelsea_flower_show.html

Refresh your garden with our Autumn Offers

Looking for inspirational ideas to transform your garden? Then Lime Orchard - an exciting local garden design and build service - is on hand to help you achieve your dream outdoor living zone. We specialise in the creation of refreshingly stylish, beautifully crafted garden spaces! As well as high quality Landscape Construction our services include:

Consultation Service - £150.00

Meet with an experienced designer in your home to formulate a brief and identify the specific needs in relation to your garden. We’ll discuss ideas and advise on how to deal with some of the issues that can impact on realising a plan. For some simple projects, this consultation may be enough for you to get started on building a garden yourself.

Full Design Service – from £395.00

The next step is to create a fully detailed, scaled, coloured master plan. Our designers work with you to ensure every detail is considered and included.  Every garden is different, so, we provide you with a bespoke proposal and costing specific to your project. Our starting price is indicative of a garden (or part of garden) that is up to 200m² and free from significant complications.

Planting Plans – from £150.00

You may already have a hard landscaping scheme or could be looking to liven up a small corner. If so we can provide prices to develop a professional planting plan for an existing garden

 

AUTUMN OFFERS
FREE  GARDEN DESIGN CONSULTATION

Book a free, no obligation visit from a Lime Orchard Professional to discuss your garden project and provide a detailed, competitive cost proposal – normal price £150.00

WIN 10 FREE SHRUBS

Simply arrange a consultation visit from Lime Orchard before the Closing Date and you will be entered in to a prize draw* to win 10 high quality shrubs to plant out this Autumn. Our experts will select the shrubs appropriate for the winner’s garden conditions.

*No Purchase Necessary. Terms & Conditions Apply, available on request

Offer ends 31 OCTOBER 2012

Call us quoting offer FREE VISIT today

www.limeorchard.co.uk

0845 539 1467 

Taking the Credit

Lime Orchard is now able to offer its customers the extra flexibility of being able to pay by credit card.

Currently quite an unusual step for a landscape construction business, accepting payment by credit card is something being requested by more consumers, who are used to paying for other major home improvements by card or via finance.

Commenting on the move, Managing Director Judy Behl explained:

“An increasing number of customers have asked for the facility to pay by credit card. Whilst we predict that only a tiny number will wish to finance an entire landscaping project with their card, which can run to £10,000’s, we are aware that consumers prefer the extra assurance they feel card payments offer them on major purchases, and some have indicated that they wish to maximise the rewards card providers offer them or use the card for short-term borrowing whilst they access funds from savings or investments ”.

During an initial period a fee will be payable on all transactions made by credit card to Lime Orchard. Behl added “As we cannot yet demonstrate demand for the service, our banking provider will levy a 3.5% charge on each transaction, which is comparable for the sector. We feel it is most transparent to pass this directly to customers wanting to use the card payment service. However, once usage patterns are established, we can renegotiate fees and reduce or remove fees in the future.”

For more information simply contact us!



Call us on 0845 539 1467 or visit www.limeorchard.co.uk

Send Her Victorious!

Everyone at Lime Orchard would like to wish Her Majesty our very best wishes over this Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend.

The Queen is of course well known for her garden parties at Buckingham Palace but is you are planning a slightly lower-key celebration in your own garden this weekend then leading garden centre chain Dobbies has some sound advice to make sure you keep safe:

1. Do not place the barbecue where anything will be dangling above it, such as low-hanging tree branches. And be sure it is far enough away from any structure to avoid smoke stains or discolouring. Never try to move your barbecue while it is alight.

2. Make sure your barbecue is on solid ground so that it doesn’t roll or tip.

3. Even if your barbecue uses natural gas and has a permanent location, survey the surrounding area before you light up, especially the first time in the spring. Greenery can grow surprisingly fast and leaves and twigs might have accumulated where they shouldn’t be, so clean up all debris first.

4. If you have no choice but to place your barbecue on a wooden deck, be sure it is free from debris such as dry leaves, twigs, etc.

5. Clean-up is crucial. Don’t let grease build up on your barbecue as it catches fire easily and can be difficult to extinguish. If that does happen, quickly close the lid.

Read more: http://www.dobbies.co.uk/blog/barbecue-safety-guide

Roof Garden Design & Build

The Lime Orchard team have recently completed another roof garden project for a very satisfied client!

Roof Garden Terrace in London by Lime Orchard

The roof terrace was situated above the 6th floor of a Central London property and as such presented us with some unique, logistical obstacles to overcome when installing the new garden. The design brief was to transform the existing, tired, largely unused roof terrace into a space where the client would wish to spend time socialising, dining or simply relaxing and taking in the panoramic views. The design would look utilise the space more successfully by delineating it into its desired functions whilst also bringing shade into the garden.

A Western Red Cedar pergola connecting to the rear of the apartment creates a shaded, dining space beneath it with raised planters incorporated throughout. These are filled with Meditteranean style planting that enclose, soften and define the space.

The clients commented,

"Lime Orchard reflected our wishes in designing a perfect roof terrace for us.

Furthermore, they worked on time and on budget and were meticulous in the final finishing phase of the project. We recommend them without reservation."

For further information on our specialist Roof Garden Design and Build Service, visit http://www.limeorchard.co.uk/Roof_Gardens.htm

Win Tickets for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012 with Lime Orchard

I

With ticket selling out weeks before the first open day, the Chelsea Flower Show is one on THE hottest events in the gardening and social calendar! Make sure you get your tickets FREE - courtesy of Lime Orchard garden design! To enter* our Free Prize Draw  simply visit http://limeorchard.co.uk/chelsea2012. 

The first two names out of the hat by the closing date will each win a pair of tickets (worth £98) to Chelsea Flower Show for Thursday 24 May 2012

For more information on this year's show, visit the RHS Web site click here >

 

 Special Guided Tour

 In addition to the free tickets, our winners will receive a unique guided tour of the Chelsea Flower Show by our very own RHS Medal Winning Designer, Ian Dexter! Ian will be able to give you a unique insight in to the work that goes on behind the scenes in creating the marvelous show gardens and his own critic of this year's entries.

To enter - simply complete the form at http://limeorchard.co.uk/chelsea2012*

Create Your Own Show-Stopping

Garden with the Specialists

Garden Design. Planting Plans. Garden Build. by Lime Orchard

*Entry is subject to terms & conditions 

Winter is a great time to plan your NEW GARDEN for next Spring!

Garden Design by Lime Orchard
Inspirational design can enhance as well as extend your outdoor living space. Translate your dream garden into a design reality with Lime Orchard's Garden Design Service
It's simple to access our design skills to enhance your garden and extraordinary good value this Winter with our special offers!

DON'T MOVE - IMPROVE!

A great garden adds value to you house and enjoyment for your family!

A well-designed, well maintained garden is an investment as it brings lasting enjoyment, can extend your living space and can add value to your property. Investing in your garden will give you access to a wide range of high quality landscape materials that provide an extension to your living space and add instant interest from mature plants.

£100 OFF

Any garden design fees if you book your garden design project before 31st December 2011

(For projects over £400 including VAT)

The Lime Orchard Garden Design Team provides a range of services including initial consultation, garden survey, design drawings, 3-D presentation drawings, construction drawings, setting out plans, and planting plans. Each design produced is bespoke for your garden and requirements.

 £500 OFF
Any garden construction work, if you book before 31st December 2011
(for projects over £5000 including VAT)

Once your design is complete, we can transform your garden in to reality!

Lime Orchard works with experienced local landscapers that you can be assured will provide the quality you require. We project manage the construction, bringing together the various skills and trades so you don't have to shop around to find a surveyor, electrician or tree surgeon, whilst ensuring your queries are dealt with along the way. We can assist all of our customers with their needs, no matter what the size, shape or complexity of the garden project.

 

 

FREE Visit to discuss your garden.

---

PLUS

Garden Design Consultation - 2 hours with a qualified garden designer followed by a written report explaining how to give your garden

"THE WOW FACTOR"

-Usual Price £150- 

Call Judy or Mandy on 0845 539 1467 (local rate) or visit www.limeorchard.co.uk

to book your free visit and view the lovely gardens we have built for our happy clients
or see our show garden at Reg Taylor's Garden Centre, Southwell, Notts
For details on  the Lime Orchard franchise opportunity click here

Lime Orchard Best in Show!

The Lime Orchard team  is proud to have been awarded the trophy for 'Best Trade Stand' at the annual Flintham & District Agricultural and Horticultural Show 2011, held in Nottinghamshire.

http://www.flinthamploughingmatch.co.uk

 The judges' eyes were caught by Lime Orchard's compact show garden, which mixed economical low-maintenance hard landscaping with striking designer garden furniture and structural planting. The garden also incorporated parking space for a modern city car - a role played by a liveried Smart ForTwo coupe. Visitors to the stand were also able to enter a free prize draw to win a Design Consultation - worth £150 - perfect to add a dose of professional inspiration for their own garden.

For more information on Lime Orchard's services visit http://www.limeorchard.co.uk/nottingham.html

Planting by the Professionals

If you want to up the style stakes in your garden, but don’t want to go for a full garden makeover why not consider our Planting Scheme service?


Our professional planting team can overhaul an existing bed or border in minimum time but with maximum impact - guaranteed to deliver instant gratification! Our unrivalled professional knowledge of plants, combined with proven design expertise can work wonders on any problem areas in your outside room – or can simply be used to create a dramatic new focal point.

So, whether it’s a whole new planting scheme or redesigning an individual border, dealing with a problem area or simply looking to improve your property's kerb appeal, we can help. Better still, because we buy through trade nurseries we can offer you the best prices on the supply of plants, typically less than you would pay from a garden centre! So go on, you know your garden’s worth it!

Set Sail for Summer!

With Cancer Research UK’s latest research findings revealing a shocking tripling in melanoma rates among British 15-34 year olds since the late 70s – and the latest available figures showing that the total number of cases of malignant melanoma for all ages increased from 10,800 in 2007 to 11,700 in 2008, a rise of 8.5%, the need for adequate protection against the sun’s harmful rays has never been more topical.
Enjoying the benefits of the outdoor room in the summer sunshine is perfectly acceptable as long as you ensure you and your family have access to the sanctuary of some shade. There are a number of options available if you need to create a safe sun-free area in the garden but one of the most effective (and often dramatic) means is via a Shade Sail.
Shade sails are made from scientifically developed material which has been impregnated with both waterproofing and UV protection. The average UV protection of shade sails is around 85% making them suitable for preventing burning on all but the fairest of skins in temperatures higher than we are ever likely to experience in the UK. When you consider that Factor 85 is probably good enough for most people in the tropics, the level of sun protection afforded by a shade sail is more than sufficient for the UK climate.
A key benefit of a shade sail is that it can be cut to any shape or size and because of the treatments they are impregnated with, they are also tough and solid and retain an attractive shape. Shade sails can be used to cover driveways and paths; they can cover all or part of a patio; or they can make roof like areas for what effectively become outdoor dining rooms. Shade sails can be strung together in attractive groups to form staggered or larger shading areas and they can be attached to the sides of buildings or strung between poles.
A fact often not considered is that a shade sail need not necessarily be just for summer. Sails can become a permanent addition to the outside room since they also offer protection from rain and wind as well as from the sun. And let’s face it, in Britain we are likely to need more protection from the rain and wind than from the sun!

Garden Security Alert!

Much as we might all revel in the joys of extended summer evenings, according to insurance company Aviva, the welcome additional hours of daylight can signal a distinctly unwelcome flurry of activity from opportunist thieves. 

New figures from Aviva predict a 25% rise in the number of backyards, garages and sheds being targeted as soon as Britain’s clocks go forward for British Summer Time. 

Bicycles, lawnmowers, garden tools and children’s outdoor toys represent the most likely targets, with the average haul at this time of year usually totalling around £900 worth of goods. 

Aviva estimates that thefts from outside the house can increase as much as 10% once the evenings get lighter, compared with the dark nights of January. Household underwriter at Aviva, Jonathan Cracknell says “Extra light means that all those expensive power tools, bikes and golf clubs could now be on full show for everyone to see, including a passing criminal … Garden security or lack of it, is much more visible so we would urge all homeowners to make sure their sheds and summerhouses are properly secured and remember to clear up the garden every evening so there is nothing left lying around to tempt the opportunist thief”.

You have been warned!

As a Result of Your Recommendation!

If you are one of our growing number of satisfied customers sitting enjoying the sunshine in a Lime Orchard-designed or built garden, then we would love you to tell your friends about your experience!
If your chat then turns in to a friend calling Lime Orchard about their own garden then we would like to say thank you! Quite simply, if we undertake a garden design or build worth £1000 or more from your recommendation we will send you a £50 gift voucher to spend on your garden. Plus we will give your friend a £50 discount off of their garden design or build proposal!

To claim, we must receive a completed application form prior to the design or build going ahead with both your details and the details of your friend. Give us a call on the number below and we will send a claim form to you. Terms & Conditions apply, available on request.

Contact us for more information

Kerb Appeal

Don’t just consider your home’s kerb appeal when you are looking to attract a buyer! Make your home the pride of the street by lavishing some extra special care on the so often neglected front garden. Although the front garden creates a lasting first impression for anyone visiting your home, it is usually the area of outdoor space which receives the least attention.

Hours are spent pondering how to create the ultimate back garden retreat but the majority of homeowners only spare a thought for the front garden when they are looking to sell. This could be due to the fact that often the front garden space is difficult to manage and hindered by expanses of concrete or gravel – but with careful planning and creative flair it is possible to work wonders. Some simple ideas include:

    * Position a couple of imposing bay trees either side of the front door to create an immediate impression of grandeur
    * Arrange a selection of fragrant flowers in beautiful pots within your front garden area to encourage a welcoming ambience
    * Introduce a splash of bold colour to exterior walls by potting up some hanging baskets – and if you have a colourful front door, choose some bright zesty flowers to complement it
    * Go for a style makeover of just the bed or border at the front of the house. Rethink your choice of plants and the layout of the bed

– for the simplest of transformations why not contact Lime Orchard to come up with a full planting plan for the bed which includes plant variety recommendations, position and suggested size of each plant – and of course a totally professional ‘installation’. Call 0845 539 1467 (local call rate) or visit www.limeorchard.co.uk for further details.

Alfresco Dining

One of the greatest delights of summer is enjoying dining alfresco, whether it’s a formal entertainment opportunity or a casual family meal eaten au dehors, you need to ensure that you and your guests are not only sitting comfortably – but that the outdoor setting looks suitably stylish!
This season’s hottest trend is for mixing and matching the brightest colours, so whether you are thinking of investing in some super-sized oh so cosy bean bags, or funky new seat cushions or even a selection of dashing new tableware, opt for some bold colour clashes.

Fuchsia pink paired with a hot red or sparkling turquoise will add a dramatic touch, or try an out there orange with zingy green. The mixing and matching doesn’t just relate to colours either, combining different materials is also very much on trend, so a glass table can look super stylish matched with ultra contemporary (and practical) plastic or metal chairs. And if you are looking to introduce a little designer chic into your outside space, a moulded sofa-come-bench for the garden is the very latest ‘must have’ cool garden furniture accessory.

Staycation - here to stay?

With the amazing weather that we’ve been experiencing over the last couple of months, combined with the aftermath of the much debated credit crunch, the ‘staycation’ seems set to … stay!.
So rather than rushing around cashing in your sterling for euros, making holiday cover arrangements for the pets – and buying all those last minute travel essentials, why not make better use of your time and money by investing in your outdoor space?

Think how much pleasure you and your family will get from a revamped garden – certainly more than the short and sweet two weeks enjoyment derived from on the average summer holiday. And don’t forget any improvements made in the garden will not only enhance your family’s ability to spend more time in the outdoor room, it will also add value to your property.

According to popular web site UpMyStreet.com, a well-kept garden is a valuable asset with 73% of UpMyStreet users preferring a property with a garden than one with a guest room and 8 out of 10 people saying they were willing to a pay a premium for a property with a garden (according to Halifax, buyers are willing to pay a £10,000 premium to secure a property with a garden).

And if you needed any further persuasion regarding the merits of putting your hard earned cash into your outdoor space rather than towards a trip overseas, think about the positive impact you will contributing to our natural environment, by - quite literally - going green!

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - Highlights from 2011

From The Daily Telegraph

Eight gardens struck gold at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with The Daily Telegraph winning Best in Show (pictured). Designed by Cleve West the winning garden bucked the current trend for going tall, by taking the visitor into an intimate sunken garden surrounded by warm yellow walls, flowing water and delicate trees. The three 10ft high columns with one lying on the ground, at first glance appear to be ruins but in fact are a mixture of the old and the new in concrete and terracotta.

However, it was the jewel-like colour scheme of reds, pinks and yellows - including bizarrely parsnips - that earned the designer the title the ‘Heston Blumenthal of gardening’ awarded for his propensity to gravitate towards experimentation.

Every year, a number of key themes emerge from the show and 2011 was no exception. Popular trends witnessed at this year’s event were the inclusion of sculptures, water features and garden offices in the show gardens.

Another popular theme was the use of trees clipped into strong architectural forms and a departure from neat, manicured beds to more natural wild flower planting. Water features on display ranged from Mediterranean inspired pools to gentle flowing country streams, whilst sculptures were used on a tactical basis to create an architectural focal point or as means of introducing a contrast to a lush green landscape.

Garden offices on show were very much in keeping with the growing awareness of environmental issues, incorporating ‘eco-friendly’ features such as solar panels and the effective recycling of waste materials.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - best ever for 2011?

When the curtain closes at the end of May, RHS Chelsea Flower Show recycles 98% of the material used in the show gardens. So while the blooms may remain dazzlingly colourful, the main event is most definitely green!

The organizers of this year’s prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show are promising that 2011 is destined to be one of the best RHS Shows in history. 2011 marks the 98th anniversary of the world famous event which is now widely recognized as one of the most celebrated annual shows in the world and the undisputed showcase for horticultural excellence, with visitors flocking from across the globe both to visit and exhibit!

Over the years the show has gone from strength to strength starting with around 244 exhibitors in 1913 to today’s overwhelming 600, including gardens, nurseries, floristry, educational displays and trade stands. RHS Chelsea Flower Show now regularly attracts 157,000 visitors every year, in addition to widespread international media attention.

2011 will see the unveiling of 17 show gardens, 15 smaller gardens and a hundred of the world’s best growers and nurseries. Unsurprisingly many of the inspirational gardens at this year’s spectacular show highlight the importance of sustainability and urban greening.

The B&Q Garden demonstrates how we can all make an environmental difference regardless of the size of our garden. The garden also increases awareness of environmental issues in a theatrical and imaginative way.

The ‘Monaco Garden’ reflects the character, personality and vibrancy of Mediterranean Monaco drawing attention to environmentally sustainable solutions to enhance urban living. Roof space, vertical walls and alternative energy sources combine to provide a green way of living ideal for busy urban spaces.

Reclaimed material features in many gardens with the stunning Cotswold stone walling and paving in ‘The Daily Telegraph Garden’ showing that reclaimed materials can still be breathtakingly beautiful, while recycled wood planks, wind turbines and galvanized containers to collect water are also on show at Chelsea this year.

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place 24-28 May 2011.

Nottingham's Got (Gardening) Talent!

A Mansfield school has beaten off stiff competition to win Lime Orchard’s design competition, which invited Nottingham’s nurseries, primary and secondary schools to put forward ideas their best ideas to create an inspirational outdoor learning space.

The Joseph Whitaker School, in Rainworth, Mansfield stepped up to the challenge laid down by Lime Orchard to dig deep and come up with a winning design entry - which was supported by a stunning 4 foot by 4 foot 3D model of their garden depicting a polytunnel, shed and chicken coop with accompanying chickens!!

The project was spearheaded by Sue Harpham who runs the Joseph Whitaker School (JWS) Community Gardening Club. The Gardening Club represents an important support activity for special children in the community, children living with either physical and / or learning difficulties. Commenting on the school’s success, Sue Harpham says “We are thrilled to have been selected to win this prestigious award, which underpins the significant role the JWS Gardening Club plays in the local community. Participating in the Gardening Club in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays enables our special children to develop valuable life skills and boosts their self-esteem and confidence within the group. By winning the prize of a £2,000 professional garden design fee consultation we will be able to realize the true potential of our garden space and further enhance the scope of our WASP (We are Special People) activities”.

Minster Secondary School and Bleasby Primary School in the Southwell area were also both selected as runners-up in the competition, each winning £100 and a free initial garden design consultation.
The competition, proved hugely popular with schools and nurseries across the county and Lime Orchard managing director Judy Behl said “we were overwhelmed by not only the number of entries but also the incredibly high standard of entry and the obvious amount of work each school put into their submission. It was extremely difficult to choose just one winner but we felt that the superb work that The Joseph Whitaker School does in terms of using their school garden as a means to provide a much needed community facility, made this fantastic entry really stand out from the crowd”.