Kew Wakehurst takes top prize at South East in Bloom awards

The site, managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, secured the top spot at this year’s awards ceremony, held at RHS Garden Wisley, after entering the competition for the first time.

The awards celebrate the impact of green spaces on communities, with the Heritage Parks & Gardens category recognising exceptional sites and the people who care for them.

Iain Parkinson, head of landscape and 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 award follows the hottest summer on record, during which Wakehurst’s collection of rare and threatened plants was tested by extreme heat and drought.

The site is currently home to the Henry Moore and more exhibition, which displays sculptures by Moore and other contemporary artists throughout the gardens.

As autumn progresses, the gardens will be transformed by seasonal colour, and the Winter Garden will begin to take centre stage with its dramatic silver birch, bold dogwood and evergreens.