The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) announced its medal and award winners at the RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026, with Sophie Leo emerging as a standout figure. The young designer took home the RHS Young Designer of the Year title alongside a Gold Medal and Best Construction Award for her garden, “Blue Diamond Garden Centres: Where Grief Grows Quiet.” The project has drawn attention for its emotional depth and meticulous design.
A Sanctuary Rooted in History
Leo’s garden draws inspiration from ancient sheepfolds, structures once used to shelter shepherds and their flocks. The design aims to create a peaceful sanctuary, blending natural elements with intentional spatial planning. Native plants like Acer campestre and Deschampsia cespitosa dominate the planting scheme, while wildflowers and nectar-rich species support local wildlife. The layout includes soft planting, enclosed walls, and comfortable seating to encourage reflection and rest.
The garden’s planting scheme incorporates a broader range of species, including ribwort plantain, which thrives in meadows and hedgerows, and the delicate umbellifer Cenolophium denudatum, a plant rarely seen in formal gardens. The inclusion of pale yellow Iris pseudacorus ‘Bastardii’ not only adds visual interest but also serves as a critical habitat for amphibians and birds, showcasing Leo’s commitment to ecological balance. The RHS Badminton Flower Show, held in a new location in Gloucestershire, features such designs as part of its mission to promote horticultural innovation and environmental stewardship. “If we want to save our ancient woodlands, we need to look beneath our feet,” said Ashleigh Aylett, an award-winning garden designer. Leo’s garden, however, takes this idea further by intertwining personal grief with ecological design, offering a rare example of how private sorrow can shape public art.
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A Personal Tribute
The garden holds deep meaning for Sophie, who lost her mother to cancer in 2022. Shortly before her death, her mother had sketched an idea for a show garden, encouraging Sophie to bring it to life. The project became a way to honor her mother’s vision while creating a space for others to find solace. The garden’s title, “Where Grief Grows Quiet,” reflects both its purpose and the quiet beauty of its design.
Leo’s work extends beyond this project. Based in Bristol, she runs her own design studio and collaborates with Arne Maynard Garden Design on global projects. Her career began with hands-on experience in horticulture, and her approach to design emphasizes sustainability and emotional resonance. The garden at Badminton has already sparked interest in her future work, with visitors encouraged to explore her portfolio at sophieleo.com.
