A GARDEN designed by a Worcester landscaping company that won a silver gilt medal at the Chelsea Flower Show was also voted "favourite garden" by viewers in the BBC People's Award Poll.

Chris Caligari Landscapes created the West Midlands-Shizuoka Goodwill Garden.

It represented a rural scene with an old grey Ferguson tractor inside an oak barn, built by local craftsman Peter March, of Drakes Broughton, near Pershore.

In the foreground, a cottage garden with a profusion of garden and wild flowers completed the setting.

The design inspiration was provided by designer Chris Caligari, of St John's, and the garden was supported by local businesses from Worcestershire.

Farmyard

"It started life as a Worcestershire farmyard garden but in this healthy rural environment it grew into a West Midlands garden!" said Mr Caligari.

"It's been an exhausting schedule but the thrill of the success of the garden has made it all worthwhile.

"Now it's back to serious planning again, but this time they are for expansion and reorganisation. We have an excellent management team but now we need to expand our workforce to meet the demand for our garden design and construction services."

It was the first time the company had exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society show, but Mr Caligari said he was already working on plans for a show garden at Chelsea 2003.

"I will be looking for sponsors and would prefer to work with local partners. Next time the telephone rings, it just might be me!"