Greenery leaves the flowers in the shade at Harrogate show

Fernatix, which is based in Suffolk, has previously taken the top prize on other occasions at the show and today Steven Fletcher of Fernatix said he was delighted to walk off with the coveted prize.

“This is one of the most difficult shows to get a Best in Show because everything is looking at its best at this time of year so for foliage plants to take it without a flower in sight is brilliant,” he said.

Four show gardens clinched coveted Gold Awards at the 2015 Harrogate Spring Flower Show, with Sheffield-based Bestall & Co Landscape Design, also winning Best in Show, for Perennial Embrace, a modern space for relaxation and contemplation.

Designer Lee Bestall, of Sheffield, who designed the garden with Paul Robinson, of Harrogate, said: “Our aim is to bring a little bit of London up North.”

Other gold awards were also won by a Yorkshire roof garden inspired by stunning views over the historic city of York, from Paxman Landscapes UK, Huddersfield; and It’s Still Me, a garden for people living with dementia, by students at Riseholme and Bishop Burton Colleges.

In the Community Spirit category, there was gold success for Horticap Ltd, of Harrogate, who created a tribute to the 70th anniversary of VE Day with a garden called The Beaches, The Fields and The Streets.

At this year’s Harrogate Spring Flower Show, which continues today, Saturday and Sunday at the Great Yorkshire Showground, in Harrogate, exhibitors have been inspired by the 70th anniversary of VE Day and the army of allotment gardeners who helped feed the country. The event features of range of displays and exhibitors.