RHS Partner Garden of the Year winners

Discover the winning gardens voted for by members and other visitors in recognition of the health and wellbeing benefits they provide

RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2024

Green Island Gardens, Essex

Overall winner and regional winner for East Anglia and Midlands
The professionally designed wildlife-friendly gardens at Green Island Gardens have been created within woodland destroyed by the 1987 ‘Great Storm’. Huge island beds, Water gardens, a Japanese garden, Seaside garden and extensive Woodland gardens are all packed with unusual plants often of borderline hardiness.
Green Island Garden
A walkway leads to a cosy area at Green Island Gardens © Rosie Beattie

Visitors to the garden said:

A sense of calm of relaxation
“Natural gardens with lots of different areas of interest to look at. The garden gives off a sense of calm and relaxation.”

Hidden areas to discover
“Amazing range of plants, and lovely walks. There are different beds and lots of hidden areas to discover.”

Life behind this tranquil haven

Fiona Edmond, owner and designer of Green Island Gardens, transformed her 20-acre woodland garden into a wildlife haven after retiring due to health issues. The garden has played a significant role in her recovery from ME, and despite ongoing health challenges, Fiona has cultivated a peaceful, unique space that inspires visitors. Her love of wildflowers, dating back to childhood, and her dedication to low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly practices are central to the garden’s charm, which now thrives as an RHS Partner Garden.

Learn more about the garden
Green Island Gardens border and house
View across the borders and house in midsummer at Green Island Gardens

“We are so proud to be an RHS Partner Garden, the visitors really appreciate what we are doing here and are even happy to wrap up warm to visit through the winter too, which is actually one of my favourite times of year.”

Fiona Edmond (owner and designer), Green Island Gardens

Fiona’s top scented winter plants

RHS Partner Garden Regional winners 2024

Birkheads Secret Gardens, Newcastle upon Tyne

Regional winner for North of England and Northern Ireland
This gardeners’ garden has something of interest around every corner, with lots of plants year-round and plenty of birds and wildlife in the series of 12 garden areas. At Birkheads Secret Gardens, there is a hardy plant nursery with plants propagated on site offering some irresistible treasures for collectors and a coffee shop with indoor and outdoor covered seating.
Birkheads Secret Gardens
A tranquil walk into the Cottage Garden at Birkheads Secret Gardens

Visitors to the garden said:

Small but perfectly formed
“A hidden gem, small but perfectly formed. Lots of plants of interest and plenty of space to enjoy and reflect.”

A perfect haven of tranquillity
“Such transformation from waste land into a perfect haven of tranquillity, planted for wildlife and visitors.”

Learn more about the garden

“We’re a family business striving to make every visitor’s day – I’m delighted that we have won and can’t wait to share the news and thank our terrific staff, volunteers and supporters. We’ll all look forward to meeting more RHS members next season.”

Christine Liddle, Birkheads Garden

Dyffryn Fernant Garden, Pembrokeshire

Regional winner for South West and Wales
Evolving out of Pembrokeshire wilderness, Dyffryn Fernant Garden has been created on rocky ground leading down to marsh and woodland, and against the backdrop of the Preselis. Colour, foliage and form combine dramatically in a series of distinct areas, growing increasingly wild as you explore further from the house.

Visitors to the garden said:

A magical garden
“It is one of the most magical gardens I have visited. The light and use of foliage is breathtaking.”

Surprises and secret places
“This garden has so many surprises and secret places as you walk around. Such a peaceful place with beautiful planting.”

Learn more about the garden
Dyffryn Fernant
Naturalistic planting in the Bog Garden at Dyffryn Fernant

“It is important to us that our garden has been recognised as a special place of beauty, inspiration and relaxation. Our gardening team are absolutely thrilled, and our thanks to everyone who voted for us.”

Christina Shand, Dyffryn Fernant

Gordon Castle Walled Garden, Morayshire

Regional winner for Scotland
A hidden gem situated between the River Spey and the Moray Coast, Gordon Castle Walled Garden is among Scotland’s best-kept secrets. It’s one of the oldest and largest Kitchen Gardens in Britain and has been lovingly restored to its former glory with a modern design by world-famous designer Arne Maynard.
Gordon Castle
The Walled Garden in full summer glory at Gordon Castle

Visitors to the garden said:

Wonderful harvests
“Fabulous seasonal garden with year-round interest and wonderful harvests of fruit and veg in summer and autumn.”

A labour of love
“The restoration of this grass field to a magnificent garden is a labour of love and dedication.”

Learn more about the garden

“We are absolutely delighted to be the Scottish Regional Winner of the RHS Partner Garden of the Year. It is a wonderful endorsement of the incredible hard work and dedication of our small garden team and volunteers.”

Zara Gordon Lennox, Gordon Castle

Farringford Estate, Isle of Wight

Regional winner for South East and Channel Islands
Farringford gardens reflect the period of the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson who lived here 1853–1892. Cottage-style planting within the walled garden consists of mixed herbaceous borders containing old rose cultivars. There are some Isle of Wight apples, heritage fruit and vegetables, a small woodland and parkland walk.

Visitors to the garden said:

See the seasonal changes
“A beautiful walled garden, with friendly, engaging staff. Will certainly return to see the seasonal changes.”

Sympathetic planting and design
“The sympathetic and committed planting and design are wonderful. It allows you to see how it would have been.”

Learn more about the garden
Farringford
Roses and other early summer planting fill the garden at Farringford

“We are so pleased our visitors have enjoyed their time here and voted for us. For such a young garden it is a huge achievement for the owner and garden team.”

Ellen Penstone-Smith, Walled Garden Manager, Farringford

Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum, Pennsylvania USA

Regional winner for Overseas
New for 2024, Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum overlooks the Delaware River close to Philadelphia. The property includes a Greek Revival house surrounded by gardens, an arboretum, and a Walled Garden amid the remnants of 19th-century glasshouses.
Andalusia
The Green Walk comes to life in early spring at Andalusia

Visitors to the garden said:

Magnificent architecture
“This garden is idyllic, with magnificent architecture, in a beautiful setting along the river.”

The gardens never disappoint
“The artistry of the gardens never disappoints the visitor. Every season has its special allure.”

Learn more about the garden

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated gardening team and the unwavering support of our visitors and members. We extend our sincere gratitude to the RHS for this prestigious award.”

Kristin Biddle, Andalusia

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.