Wollescote Park volunteers scoop platinum at BBC Gardeners' World Live
Volunteer-led community group wins the highest accolade at one of Britain's most prestigious horticultural events
Friends of Wollescote Park has been awarded Platinum at BBC Gardeners' World Live 2026 for a garden honouring Dorothy Howell, the composer who lived at Wollescote House overlooking the park.
The exhibit, Composition in the Park, received the show's top award in the Beautiful Borders category from judges at the NEC Birmingham event, which attracts around 90,000 visitors over four days.
BBC Gardeners' World presenter Sue Kent presented the award to the volunteer team, which designed and built the garden entirely through community effort.
The group's success continued when thousands of show visitors and social media followers voted Composition in the Park runner-up in the People's Choice Award.
Dorothy Howell broke through barriers in 1919 when her orchestral work Lamia was performed at the Proms, making her one of Britain's most celebrated female composers of her time.
The volunteers created their award-winning border to tell her story through planting and craftsmanship, demonstrating what local people can achieve working together.
Wollescote Park Sensory Garden has also retained its Community Green Flag Award for the fourth consecutive year, recognising well-managed green spaces supported by local communities.
Julia Marks, chair of Friends of Wollescote Park, said: "These awards belong to every volunteer who has given their time, skills and enthusiasm to improve our park. To receive the highest award from the judges at Gardeners' World Live, be recognised by the visiting public through the People's Choice Award and retain our Community Green Flag Award for a fourth consecutive year is something we never imagined."
She added: "Dorothy Howell's story reminds us that determination and community spirit can achieve remarkable things. We hope our success inspires others to get involved and make a difference."
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Wollescote Park's Sensory Garden Community Green Flag Award demonstrates what can be achieved when green spaces are managed to a high standard by dedicated volunteers. Congratulations to everyone involved."
The award-winning garden will now be recreated in Wollescote Park, creating a permanent tribute to Dorothy Howell and a new space for residents and visitors.
The group meets every Tuesday morning in the Sensory Garden and runs a Friday morning pop-up café throughout school holidays. New volunteers are welcome.