A tranquil woodland garden made by Benenden designer David Sarton has been awarded a gold medal at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

The leafy retreat was created as a tribute to David’s friend, Emma Peios, a horticultural photographer, who died from leukaemia in 2012.

Called Athanasia, it featured a large hornbeam tree, oak and silver birch trees, as well as shade-loving plants, including hardy geraniums, ferns and foxgloves.

David’s woodland won plaudits from Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don.

David said: “Monty said it look very natural and that it was one of his favourite in the show.”

David’s firm Weald Design, based in Rolvenden Road, has since received a flurry new commissions.