Award-Winning Mediterranean Garden at Beningbrough Scoops Principal Award at the 2025 BALI National Landscape Awards

We are delighted to announce that The Mediterranean Garden at National Trust’s Beningbrough has received a Principal Award for Hard Landscaping Construction (Non-Domestic, Under £500k) at the 2025 BALI National Landscape Awards. This national recognition highlights the exceptional quality of the project and the collaborative effort that brought this unique garden to life.

Hard Landscaping Excellence: Principal Award for Blakedown Landscapes

The award was presented to Blakedown Landscapes, our construction partners on the scheme, whose craftsmanship and attention to detail were essential in delivering the garden to the highest standard. Their expertise in hard landscaping construction—from precision stonework to the careful integration of local materials—helped transform the design into a resilient and beautifully executed space.

Part of the Long-Term Garden Development Plan at Beningbrough

The Mediterranean Garden is a key milestone in National Trust Beningbrough’s long-term garden development strategy, which aims to enrich the visitor experience and diversify the landscape character across the estate. The garden introduces a bold and distinctive identity, complementing existing areas while contributing to the evolving landscape masterplan.

A Climate-Resilient Mediterranean Garden Design

At the core of the design is a palette of climate-resilient, drought-tolerant planting inspired by Mediterranean ecosystems. These species were selected not only for their beauty, texture, and seasonal interest but for their ability to adapt to the increasing extremes of the UK climate.

In its very first year, the garden has already weathered periods of drought, heavy rainfall, and snow—proving both the robustness of the planting scheme and the durability of the hard landscaping infrastructure.

Local Materials and Sustainable Landscape Construction

Central to the project is the use of vernacular locally sourced materials, such as Yorkstone supporting both environmental sustainability and a strong connection to the local landscape .

A Garden for All Seasons

Designed to evolve and mature over time, the Mediterranean Garden offers year-round appeal. Its mix of structural planting, seasonal perennials, and textured materials ensures the space remains engaging through every season. Visitors can already enjoy a garden that feels established and atmospheric, and we look forward to the garden evolving as it grows.

Collaborative Achievement Behind the Award-Winning Garden

Thanks to Blakedown Landscapes, the National Trust team, and all consultants, craftspeople, and specialists involved in the creation of the Mediterranean Garden. The 2025 BALI Award stands as a testament to the strength of this collaboration and to a shared commitment to high-quality landscape design and construction.