J Paxman Landscapes to create ‘Garden for Gathering’ showpiece

J Paxman Landscapes to create ‘Garden for Gathering’ showpiece : J Paxman Landscapes will be joining forces in a true Yorkshire collaboration at Harrogate Spring Show next week (24-27 April 2025). As landscape build veterans at the event, Justin Paxman and his son Nathan will be building Ilkley-based designer Melissa Morton’s ‘A Garden for Gathering’ show garden as the selected APL accredited contractor.

Four-time medal winners at Harrogate and last winning Gold in 2017, Justin said:

“It’s great to be asked to take on another show build with the APL at Harrogate after our earlier successes at the event. Equally brilliant is the chance to be working alongside Melissa, bringing her designs to life. These events are always a fantastic experience, from the earliest collaboration to the finished reveal as the show stories unfold.”

Melissa Morton Garden and Landscape Design has also been selected to design the garden, just one of six show gardens at the event at Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate. The event is expected to attract over 40,000 garden enthusiasts and professionals over its four day duration.

Melissa’s vision centres on the best use of space in the garden. With a layout based on the “Golden Section”, she has expertly combined beauty, sustainability and functionality in the smallest of spaces. Commenting on the concept and the show garden journey, designer and recently accredited Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD) Melissa said:

“I was delighted to be asked to design the APL’s show garden. At just 9m x 6m this is a brilliant opportunity to show what can be achieved in a relatively small space, a challenge faced by many of my clients. I wanted to show how you can create a feeling of spaciousness through a layout that enhances balance, harmony, and flow.”

The garden features locally sourced materials including gravel and water features from Lightwater Quarries and Urbis Design respectively, and willow fencing from Estate Sawmills.  Planting for the show garden embraces the principles of forest gardening, layering fruit trees, shrubs, and ground-level planting to create a naturalistic and biodiverse environment.

Simon Abbott, APL Regional Manager, said:

“Working with professionals like Melissa and the team from Paxman Landscapes highlights the quality craftsmanship, professionalism, and peace of mind that you’re guaranteed when you work with an APL member. We can’t wait to welcome show visitors to ‘A Garden for Gathering’ later this month.”

Visitors to the Harrogate Spring Flower Show can also discuss their own garden queries with Melissa, Justin and APL representatives at the APL Design Clinic at ‘A Garden for Gathering’ during the show.

The APL’s Garden for Gathering is also supported by Bradstone (paving and walling) and JA Jones (plant nursery).

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