TEARS of joy trickled down his face as Callum Corrie discovered he had won gold for his first RHS garden.
The 26-year-old only set up his own business in April but wowed judges with his flair, skill, imagination and sustainable ideas.
A dream of turning his passion for gardening into a career is coming to fruition.
Callum, from Mobberley, said: “It’s been amazing, everything I wanted to do.
“I am so happy.
“The amount of work was incredible but I had so many people helping me, it was fantastic.
“I had the right people guiding me.”
RHS Young Designer competition offers the next generation of garden designers the chance to showcase their budding talents on the big stage.
Inspiration for Callum’s garden entitled ‘Entertaining Meets Nature’ came from his two passions, spending time in the natural world and being with family and friends.
“I wanted people to see that you don’t have to have a big space to create somewhere to relax with friends and family,” said Callum.
“I also hope to inspire people to encourage wildlife into their gardens., “We have so many bees and bluetits here already.”
Callum created two intimate spaces, each with its own distinct feel.
A semi-circular bench around a fire pit provides a social area, whilst decking offers a place to eat, drink and entertain.
A gentle waterfall trickles over boulders into a wildlife pond creating a relaxing, soothing sound.
Partner Becky Clay helped with planting in warming hues of yellow, dusky pink and purples.
Callum first tasted RHS success at last year’s show when he won gold for a long border design entitled ‘Picture Perfect’.
The former Mobberley Primary School and Knutsford Academy student discovered old oak window frames dumped in a skip.
Designers were challenged to introduce touch, taste, scent and sound into their borders.
From the scent of sweet peas to the gentle swish of tactile grasses, colourful flowers, edible sunflowers and cherry tomatoes, he stimulated all five senses.
Callum studied at Reaseheath College and has worked as a gardener for five years.
He launched his own business, Callum Corrie Garden Design, in April and has already won private commissions.
“I designed a garden for Linden Stores restaurant in Knutsford,” said Callum.
“One day I’d love to do Chelsea.
“My dream is to design gardens all over the world.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here