The RHS has announced its medal and award winners at RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026. Among the winners is Young Designer of the Year, Sophie Leo, who is behind the Blue Diamond Garden Centres: Where Grief Grows Quiet garden.
Not only did Sophie win RHS Young Designer of the Year, but her garden also earned a coveted Gold Medal, and Best Construction Award.
Inspired by ancient sheepfolds, built to shelter shepherds and their flocks, Sophie's 'Where Grief Grows' garden is designed to be a peaceful sanctuary for rest and reflection.
The planting takes its cue from fields and hedgerows, featuring Acer campestre, native grass Deschampsia cespitosa, and wildflower ribwort plantain. Sophie also added the delicate umbellifer Cenolophium denudatum and pale yellow Iris pseudacorus ‘Bastardii’, which provides nectar for bees and hoverflies as well as cover for frogs, toads and birds.
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The 'Where Grief Grows' garden has a personal resonance for Sophie, who lost her own mother to cancer in 2022. Shortly before her death, she had sketched an idea for a show garden, which she encouraged Sophie to bring to life.
Highlighting the value of having a safe and peaceful space to spend time in nature when grieving, the garden features comfortable seating, soft planting and walls for a sense of enclosure.
Sophie has her own design studio, which is based in Bristol, and creates gardens across the southwest of England. She started out in horticulture by working with Arne Maynard Garden Design and still collaborates with them on projects worldwide.
To see more of Sophie's work, visit sophieleo.com
