Kew Wakehurst in West Sussex has been named Best Heritage Park or Garden at the South & South East in Bloom awards.
The attraction, near Haywards Heath, picked up the title after entering the competition for the first time.
The awards, held at RHS Garden Wisley, recognise the role green spaces play in communities, with the Heritage Parks & Gardens category celebrating the landscapes and the people who look after them.
Wakehurst’s success follows a summer of exceptionally hot and dry weather, which put additional pressure on its collection of rare and threatened plants.
Staff have been working to develop more climate-resilient areas across the site, including an American Prairie and drought-resistant planting in the Children’s & Community Garden.
The aim is to make Wakehurst what the team describes as a “living laboratory”, showing how planting can be adapted to cope with changing conditions and weather.
Iain Parkinson, Head of Landscape & Horticulture at Wakehurst, said: “We’re incredibly proud that Kew Wakehurst has been awarded this accolade, recognising the horticultural excellence we strive to achieve as well as the passion and expertise of those who care for our landscapes.
“This award comes at a particularly exciting and transitional time for Wakehurst, as we develop new climate-resilient landscapes that respond to the challenges of a changing world while continuing to inspire and engage our visitors.
“Horticulture, science and nature connection are deeply intertwined across the landscape, and we’re delighted to see that this approach resonates so strongly with visitors from across the region.
“We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors over the coming seasons, to discover how beauty has a purpose here at Wakehurst.”
The gardens are also currently hosting the Henry Moore and more exhibition, featuring four of Moore’s sculptures alongside three works by contemporary artists.
The pieces are positioned around the landscape and change in character as the gardens move through the seasons.
Visitors this autumn can also see seasonal colour across Wakehurst’s woodland areas, while the Winter Garden is beginning to take centre stage ahead of the colder months.
Its planting includes silver birch, dogwood and winter evergreens, designed to create colour and texture through the winter season.
Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Police appeal after man suffers serious head injury in Eastbourne assault
Suspected arson at derelict building in Bognor Regis as four fire engines called to scene
Bognor Regis couple launch new clothing brand inspired by their journey to faith
Big weekend of football across Sussex and Hampshire as Brighton prepare for Crystal Palace derby
Thousands of runners take to Portsmouth streets today for Great South Run – route, timings and road closures
Hundreds of Hampshire schoolchildren take centre stage as Fareham Live celebrates community success
Threshold for petitions in West Sussex
Black Rock regeneration in Brighton
Southsea seafront set for another transformation
Five spooky activities for families across the South this October half-term
