A HELENSBURGH garden designer has been awarded a gold medal for her innovative display at a national flower show.

Rachel Bailey, whose long border highlighting the healing power of scent impressed judges at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chatsworth Flower Show, said she was humbled by the response to her creation - which will soon go on display at a local primary school.

The work, produced alongside colleague Nicola Sweeney and a talented team of helpers, brought together Rachel’s passion for the art, science and craft of gardening with a particular focus on the mental health benefits of flowers and plants.

After being presented with her certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society, Rachel told the Advertiser: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded an RHS gold medal.

READ MORE: Award-winning Helensburgh landscaper's design to feature at RHS Chatsworth

“It was a huge privilege to have exhibited there and to have worked with such a talented team, including nurserymen and women and an artisan metalworker, before and during the show, and to have had the support of Trellis, Scotland’s network of therapeutic gardens.

“The judges and public alike absolutely loved the border. They loved the naturalistic style of planting, reminiscent of a country lane, combined with a striking sculpture that gave the border a contemporary twist.

“Together, the planting and sculpture drew people in and then the scent from Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ captivated them.

“I was truly moved by the reaction to the garden from the public. On at least two occasions, members of the public said they could just lay down in the border.

“Now the show is over, the border will continue to delight.

READ MORE: Rhu Primary celebrates school's sixth Green Flag

“The plants have been delivered to a therapeutic garden project in Glasgow, the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Restart Project, where they will be distributed between themselves and three other therapeutic gardens including the walled garden at Gartnavel Hospital.

“The sculpture, which represents brain waves, will be relocated to Rhu Primary School garden where it will serve as a reminder of the importance of gardens and plants on children’s - and adults’ - emotional health and well-being.”