The work and achievements of the team at Rutland's Barnsdale Gardens has received special recognition with a Prestige Award from Corporate Livewire.

The popular attraction on Barnsdale Avenue, Exton, features 38 individual gardens over eight acres, The Helenium licensed tearoom, and a gift shop.

The gardens are constantly evolving, with beautiful new displays added regularly to inspire visitors with realistic and achievable ideas to apply to their own gardens.

A spokesperson for the Prestige Awards judges panel said: "The judges were particularly impressed by the effort Barnsdale Gardens has made to maintain its gardens, uphold its reputation as a leading public garden, and honour Geoff Hamilton's legacy by ensuring he continues to be a big influence at Barnsdale, and around the world.

"It is clear that every member of staff at Barnsdale Gardens truly cares about its unique history and the work they do as gardeners, educators, and advocates of the natural world. By offering guided walks, talks, courses, and family-orientated events, Barnsdale Gardens is able to ignite a passion for plants and gardening and a better understanding of nature in people young and old."

Speaking of his delight at Barnsdale Gardens winning this award and title Gardens of the Year, Nick Hamilton, owner, said: "I am delighted and incredibly thankful to the judges for choosing us. This award helps make all of the team's hard work and dedication to these unique gardens, come rain or shine, worth it.

"The most important thing to us, apart from our gardens, are our wonderful visitors, many of whom return each season to enjoy the individual gardens as they change and evolve.

"We were able to stay open throughout most of the pandemic offering people a place to visit, keep their spirits up and gain garden inspiration and ideas. Everyone connected to Barnsdale Gardens is thrilled to have won a Prestige Award."

Barnsdale Gardens is a horticultural site designed to offer inspiration for gardeners and families alike. With its plant nursery and tearoom, the eight-acre site is an inspiring place to visit all year round. As well as offering day passes that allow visitors to wander around and use the facilities at their own pace, Barnsdale Gardens offers guided walks, informative gardening talks and demonstrations.

The gardens were made famous by their founder Geoff Hamilton on the long running BBC TV series Gardeners' World, which he presented from 1979 until his death in 1996.

Every Sunday during July and August, Barnsdale Gardens is offering family events, free with Garden entry.

The Gardens are open throughout the year, with summer hours of 9am-5pm. There is no need to book — simply turn up and enjoy!