Three South Lanarkshire College students have earned silver awards at the 2026 Scone Palace Garden Fair, part of the Scottish Garden Design Competition. Nikki Cross, Pamela Gashi, and Lorna Rhoney—all NC Level 5 Horticulture students—created small gardens that impressed judges.
Competition Details
The competition features two categories: Small Space Gardens and Showcase Gardens. Entries are evaluated by a panel of experts. The fair, held in May, has grown into Scotland's equivalent of the Chelsea Flower Show, attracting plant enthusiasts and designers to the historic Scone Palace grounds.
The Winning Garden
The students' garden, titled 'Why is gardening therapeutic?', incorporated aromatic herbs such as lavender, mint, thyme, and kale, chosen for their calming properties. The garden was recently donated to Kilbryde Hospice to strengthen community ties. Some of the produce is intended for use in the hospice's cafe.
College-Community Partnership
South Lanarkshire College also extended its work experience partnership with Greenbank Garden, run by the National Trust for Scotland. Horticulture lecturer Fiona Sanderson praised the collaboration: "Working with Andrew Hinson, the head gardener at Greenbank Gardens, provided our HNC students with a valuable work placement, giving them an opportunity to learn heritage gardening techniques."
Sanderson added: "I am excited to build on an already fantastic relationship. This is an excellent example of the college developing crucial links within the business community that will take root, grow, and develop our students. We have agreed that students will be offered work experience and, with Andrew's support, some can apply for intensive training opportunities."
Student Success
Reflecting on the silver awards, Sanderson said: "I am so proud of my horticulture students and what they have recently achieved. They are truly flourishing and representing themselves and the college with flair, enthusiasm, and professionalism. I have no doubt the future is bright—I am really looking forward to the next academic term."
