Olivia Stewart from Oxford Wins RHS Silver Gilt Medal
Olivia Stewart, from Oxford, was
awarded a prestigious Silver Gilt Medal at the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition
at RHS Show Tatton Park yesterday. The Show is organised by the Royal Horticultural
Society in Cheshire and runs until 25 July.
Olivia also came joint second, as one of three finalists in this important competition.
Olivia only graduated from the Oxford College of Garden Design last year and has
given this year's students firsthand experience of working on a show garden, as
they assisted her with creating the garden. See the images of the garden
Olivia commented: "Recent weeks have been a roller-coaster of incredible events,
starting with the media launch and public announcement of the three finalists...I
was interviewed by Alan Titchmarsh at Chelsea Flower Show and the BBC has filmed
me as part of a piece which covers before, during and after the competition..If
I had an opportunity to see into the future 3 years ago, I would have been in utter
disbelief! This turn of events is beyond my wildest dreams..."
Olivia received a grant of £12,000 to create her garden, provided by the North West
Regional Development Agency, together with the RHS. The initial inspiration for
Olivia's 'Clear Waters Rising' design for the Show stems from a recent camping trip
to the Lake District, where the awe-inspiring landscape had a profound impact on
her. Olivia credits both the stunning natural environment and the craftsmanship
involved in the local stonework as key sources for inspiration.
Olivia only realised her passion and flair for gardening in her 20s, but she soon
forged a career maintaining all manner of gardens in all kinds of conditions, from
private city and country gardens of all sizes, as well as woodland conservation.
Olivia now runs Olivia Stewart Landscape Design www.oliviastewartdesign.com