Shuttleworth's Swiss Garden wins Royal Horticultural Society Garden of the Year award

The Shuttleworth Trust’s Swiss Garden has been crowned the winner in the RHS Partner Garden competition – and regional winner for the Midlands & East region, following a nationwide public vote.

This year the competition highlighted the role gardens play in bringing visitors closer to nature.

One visitor said: “Shuttleworth’s Swiss Cottage is a beautiful gem in a stunning location. I visit often, as I walk through the gate my body relaxes and for a few hours it’s just bliss.”

Another added: “Nature thrives throughout the grounds, from vibrant seasonal flowers to an abundance of wildlife. The two lovely peacocks that roam freely add an extra charm, making the whole experience feel even more magical.”

Tony Young, head gardener at Shuttleworth, said: “Winning RHS Partner Garden of the Year is a real honour, and we are delighted that our Swiss Garden is such a special place to so many people who voted.

"Swiss Garden has gone through quite a period of development, a journey which we are still on, so winning this award has given us the opportunity to stop and reflect on all that we have achieved so far.

"None of this would have been possible without our volunteers; their dedication to Swiss Garden is incredible and the garden would not be the wonderful place it is today without them.”

Dr Tim Upson, RHS director of gardens and horticulture, added: “In the often-challenging times in which we live, the beauty and tranquillity that comes with visiting gardens, with their chance to reconnect with nature, is so important to our wellbeing.

" All our RHS Partner Gardens are on the frontline of championing nature, encouraging wildlife and supporting biodiversity and special congratulations must go to Shuttleworth Swiss Garden and all our Partner Garden of the Year regional winners for being recognised in our annual competition.”

The Swiss Garden is a unique example of a Regency garden in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ or ‘Alpine’ style, and forms part of the Grade II registered Old Warden Park.

Shrub beds follow a no-dig approach to protect soil life, and organic fertilisers are used sparingly. Meanwhile, eco piles and leaf litter create undisturbed spaces for insects and hedgehogs, while ponds are maintained as healthy habitats for waterfowl.

Trees are checked carefully during nesting season and pollinator plants such as buddleia add colour and life across the garden.

Shuttleworth’s Swiss Garden welcomes RHS members for free on Mondays and Thursdays (excluding event days).