Merrist Wood College Student Shines at BBC Gardeners’ World Live Show

Published on: 1 Jul, 2024
Updated on: 1 Jul, 2024

Congratulations are in order for Elle Hepburn, a Level 2 horticulture student from Merrist Wood College and University Centre, who made her debut at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Show at the NEC Birmingham.

Elle Hepburn.

Elle, 24, entered the competition for the first time and crafted a stunning show garden in the Beautiful Borders category.

The college, part of the Activate Learning group, said her creation, named Little Library, dazzled the judges with its vibrant colours and elegant design, earning her a well-deserved silver award.

The photos show Ellie Hepburn’s garden that won silver at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Show.

This marks the second time this year that Merrist Wood College students have excelled in a national horticultural competition.

The garden, designed to attract and encourage wildlife, particularly pollinators, was inspired by a concerning study revealing a 64% decline in the number of insects sampled on vehicle number plates in the UK since 2004.

This alarming statistic fuelled Elle’s passion for creating a space that supports and nurtures insect life.

Elle said: “I am so pleased and proud of myself for how my border turned out. I feel like I won already by getting this far and surviving the build!

“I had no gardening experience until I started college in September. My beautiful border was even featured on the Gardeners’ World TV programme the day after; I can’t believe it!

“I made some great contacts, and everyone involved was so friendly. The judges said they want me back next year and are impressed with what I’ve created in such a short time being in the industry. I can’t thank my tutors at Merrist Wood enough for their support.”