Wizardly inspiration and lots of hard work helped a Yalding garden design firm take home an award from a nationwide flower show.

Fleurs de Filles in Yalding, run by former florist Sally Kimmis, won a Silver Gilt Award for Under the Rainbow, a show garden for young children, created at the prestigious Harrogate Autumn Flower Show.

Taking inspiration from the story of the Wizard of Oz, Sally had planned ahead, asking children from a Harrogate school to grow tomatoes in recycled milk containers and strawberries in recycled tin cans.

Boundary fencing was made from recycled pallets and a greenhouse was made from recycled plastic bottles. The yellow brick road was made from recycled glass and the garden had its own solar powered irrigration system.

Sally, whose helpers included friends and her husband said: “It was the aim of the garden to engage children with gardening and the children did a great job, looking after their plants all through the summer holidays.

“This was our first show garden and while most show gardens are pristine affairs, ours used lots of recycled materials. It was risky, but it paid off.”

For information on Fleurs de Filles ring Sally on 01622 817746.