Students and staff from Derby College's horticulture program have secured their second consecutive accolade at BBC Gardeners World Live, the prestigious annual showcase held at the NEC.
Working from the Broomfield Hall land-based campus, the team collaborated once again with the Derby and District Group of the Multiple Sclerosis Society to craft their 2025 entry. This partnership built upon the success of their previous year's exhibition.
The timing proved especially meaningful, as the event marked its 50th milestone anniversary while the local MS Society branch celebrated 60 years of community support.
Their expansive 10m by 12m installation, titled 'Journey to Hope,' earned a Silver Merit award in the charity division. The design visually represents the experience of receiving an MS diagnosis and learning to navigate life with the condition.
Mike Baldwin, horticulture lecturer at Derby College, shared the team's motivation: "After earning Gold at last year's BBC Gardeners World Live, we aimed to push our creative boundaries even further this time around."
"We're committed to highlighting the important work done by The Multiple Sclerosis Society and bringing awareness to the daily struggles—frustration, pain, and emotional challenges—faced by the more than 100,000 individuals in the UK living with this neurological condition."
"The design juxtaposes delicate flowering species with sharp, spiky thistles, symbolizing the contrast between positive and difficult days that characterize the MS experience."
"We also incorporated sculptural features: a bridge held up by caring hands, a fibreglass cave representing a sanctuary where those with MS can find support and resources through the charity, and a cascading waterfall symbolizing hope and continued quality of life."
"Planning began immediately following last year's event where we took home a Gold medal for our border display. This year's project demanded much more complexity and drew upon diverse skill sets from both students and staff."
"This represents our most ambitious undertaking in years, engaging over 50 students. Everyone remained deeply committed throughout, and we're thrilled with the powerful visual impact we achieved."
Peter Milner, who leads the MSS Derby and District group, added: "The incredible reception to last year's garden and the passion shown by the Derby College team inspired us to dream bigger for this year."
"With BBC Gardeners World Live reaching its 50th anniversary and our branch celebrating 60 years, winning Silver Merit this year holds extra significance for us."
"The design powerfully captures the emotional peaks and valleys of living with MS. I'm confident it will deeply resonate with anyone who's personally affected by the condition or cares for someone who is."
"Our hope is that everyone who visits this garden leaves feeling uplifted and knowing that there is genuine hope ahead."
The project received generous backing from numerous national and regional companies, including Hoselock, Bradstone, Urban Planters, Eggleston Brothers, Hingley Timber, and Harrowden Turf.