A HEREFORD landscaper who created a spiritual retreat for an urban household has been shortlisted for an award by a BBC television programme.

BBC Gardeners' World Live, which takes place from June 16 to June 19 at Birmingham's NEC, is an inspirational day out for gardening enthusiasts and budding designers.

Each year ahead of the event, the Association of Professional Landscapers challenges landscapers from across the UK to submit designs for a themed garden, to be in with a chance of being awarded the best avenue show garden.

Big Fish Landscapes, in Hereford, is one of three landscapers across the UK to be shortlisted for the prestigious award, for its 'Memories of Mountains' garden, which was designed by Jonathan King.

RELATED NEWS:

The winner will be announced at the BBC Gardeners' World Live event in June.

Taking the theme of 'Work, Rest and Play in a Sustainable Way', Jonathan has designed a unique typically sized back garden which highlights how you can transform any green space, no matter the size.

'Memories of Mountains' was designed by Jonathan to create a tranquil and spiritual retreat for an urban household.

The eye-catching design references the mountain regions of China's Zhejiang Province, capturing memories of mountain-scapes to create a place of solace rather than activity, aiming to bring a sense of calm to an urban terrace.

Surrounded by dramatic planting, the main paved area has been designed with yoga or meditation in mind to complement the tranquility of the stone-lined rainwater pools, which symbolise a balancing pool that collects water which percolates into storage tanks for re-use.

OTHER NEWS:

The show garden assessment panel will include award-winning landscaper Mark Gregory of Landform UK, alongside internationally acclaimed garden designer Lim In Chong, Joanna Elvidge of Marshalls UK, designer Cherry Carmen and Paul Cowell of PC Landscapes.

The panel will decide who takes home the accolade of best avenue show garden, whilst a public vote will choose the 'visitors favourite' award.

Jonathan King, designer of 'Memories of Mountains' with Big Fish Landscapes, said: "Our garden aims to create an East Asian inspired retreat using different textures, traditional materials and a minimal colour palette.

"We wanted the garden to evoke a calm, reflective atmosphere that drew upon the dramatic mountain range scenery of eastern China using large feature stones, mountain backdrop screens, a reflective water pool and a mixture of formal and natural East Asian inspired planting."

Bob Sweet, horticultural director of BBC Gardeners' World Live, said: "This year, all of the landscapers have submitted truly inspirational designs. We know that the gardens will really resonate with visitors, who'll be able to take away so many ideas to try out at home. I'm excited to see the finished gardens and I wish all of those shortlisted the very best of luck."