A Harpenden gardener has won a prestigious award at a garden design show, in the first competition she has entered.

Julia Langsman impressed judges at the Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden Show with her show garden plot celebrating King Charles' years of campaigning for the environment.

She was awarded the Duchess of Rutland trophy, which is a boost for her fledgling business while she completes her garden design diploma at Capel Manor College.

Herts Advertiser: Julia Langsman's show gardenJulia Langsman's show garden (Image: Julia Langsman)

Julia explained: "This was my first ever show garden, so I was really just hoping to make it through without any hitches.

"When the organisers came over to me and presented the trophy, I was shocked!

"It was a real honour to be recognised by the judges and to receive such positive feedback at the start of my career in garden design."

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Julia's five metres long rectangular plot was filled with plants in regal colours of purple, blue and white. It also featured delphiniums, which are reportedly the King's favourite plant.

Contestants put together their gardens in four days over the weekend of July 15, after submitting their designs in February.

Julia - who is an RHS-trained gardener - retrained in horticulture during the pandemic, after a career break with young children.