GREEN-FINGERED staff and students at a York college are to re-create their award-winning garden on their home turf.

Horticulturists at Askham Bryan College celebrated winning a prestigious silver medal at the Hampton Court Flower Show and also wowed visitors to the Great Yorkshire Show with their Archaeologist's Urban Retreat.

Now work is under way to rebuild the garden in the college grounds, for staff and students to enjoy.

Professor Gareth Rees, principal, said: "It was the first time we had entered a garden at Hampton Court so we were all absolutely thrilled with the award, particularly as the show is renowned amongst horticulturists the world over.

"Our budget was a fraction of what many others spent which made the award even more special.

"Horticulture is a particular strength of ours - a lot of hard work went into the project so it's entirely appropriate that we should have a permanent reminder here at the college."

The design was created by Sarah Lloyd as part of the college's garden design course and the project manager was Steven Prinn.

It focuses on an arbour, depicting a cairn, from which a slate mulch path rotates round the linear planting pattern symbolising the plough lines. It is flanked on both sides by straw bale walls with traditional lime plaster.

Updated: 10:20 Monday, July 21, 2003