THE Cheshire Gardens of Distinction partnership has paid dividends at this year's RHS Tatton show, with members winning big.

Arley Hall and Gardens won a gold medal, and Bluebell Cottage Gardens and Nursery silver.

The group of 20 Gardens of Distinction raises awareness of the diversity of Cheshire's horticulture.

Arley Hall captured the charm of its garden with its double herbaceous border, and Bluebell Cottage encouraged gardeners not to cut back plants in autumn to give autumn structure and seeds for the birds.

James Youd, gardener at Arley Hall, said: “I am utterly delighted that the hard work of the Arley team has been rewarded with this gold medal, and it’s great that the Gardens of Distinction have won other medals too. We are a close-knit group with a great sense of camaraderie and this makes all the wins very special.”

Chair of Cheshire’s Gardens of Distinction, Sam Youd, said: “This is a completely fantastic result especially in a challenging year for all gardeners because of the weather. I think visitors will love what our gardeners have created for this year’s show.”

Lord Ashbrook, whose family home is Arley Hall, said: ”The show garden is an outstanding recreation in miniature of Arley Hall’s gardens, combining yew hedges and an herbaceous border with other characteristics that really capture the charm of Arley."

"I am extremely proud of the achievement of the designer James Youd and everyone else who has worked so hard to make this garden such a success.

"My family and I hope that visitors will be inspired to visit Arley Hall and enjoy the beauties of its gardens on a larger scale.”

Katrina Michel, CEO of Marketing Cheshire, said: “This is a well-deserved triumph for Cheshire’s Gardens of Distinction and a great reflection of the quality of the county’s horticulture. The Gardens of Distinction represent a wide range of spectacular gardens ranging from stately homes like Arley, Tatton Park and Lyme Park to the winter gardens at Dunham Massey, secret gardens and Ness Botantic Gardens. We look forward to continue working together to promoting these unique and special gardens.”