TOP garden centre, Webbs, near Droitwich, is celebrating after winning the Ruxley Rose Award for the best plants in the Midlands.

The family firm from Wychbold has been announced as the Midlands winner of the Award by the Garden Centre Association, the organisation representing the best garden retailers in Britain.

Earlier this year Webbs was crowned the UK Garden Centre of the Year for the second year running by the GCA. The 2008 Ruxley Rose award was recently announced after stringent judging for the best house plants, bedding plants and outdoor plants departments in the Midlands.

GCA judge Andy Campbell said: “The attention to detail at Webbs is exceptional as are the retail standards and the quality across an impressive range.

“Their approach to plant displays inspires the customer and they strike the right balance between inspiration and ease of shopping.”

Webbs also scooped a record 18 awards of merit from the GCA for a wide range of departments and activities including the webbsdirect.co.uk online store and excellence from garden centre staff.

Executive chairman Ed Webb was delighted to win the prestigious award. He said: “The judging criteria is very rigorous and we had to excel in the quality, range and presentation of the plants as well as the way they are displayed and marketed.

“As a national leader in the horticultural industry plants are at the core of what we offer our customers. We strive to be the very best in everything we do and it is good for customers and staff to have that effort recognised.”

Webbs has won a large number of awards over the years and is the top garden centre in the country.

The family business includes the garden centre and beautiful landscaped riverside gardens, which are open free to the public.