VISITOR attraction Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens and Nurseries was shortlisted for the Think Green category in last year’s Press Business Awards.

This year Vanessa Cook, owner of the gardens, hopes to take the award home in recognition of the family business’s continued efforts to be as self-sufficient as possible.

“We were delighted to be shortlisted for this award in 2011 as we have long been aware of our responsibility towards the environment, society and the local economy,” said Vanessa. “Each year we improve the ways in which we Think Green. In 2012 we have focused on sharing our message of environmentally friendly gardening with the wider community.”

The organically managed gardens, which are orientated to attracting wildlife, will host a green garden open day on June 16 for local environment groups and eco businesses to demonstrate how wildlife can be encouraged into the garden.

It is also working with students from the University of York to encourage a team of 40 volunteers to plant their own fruit and veg.

The business uses technology to reduce and reuse water and electricity and aims to recycle all waste it generates, from fallen leaves to chicken manure and broken plant pots.