Introduction to scheme
The Chris Beardshaw Mentoring Scholarship is a unique mentoring scheme set up by the award-winning garden designer and TV personality with the support of the Royal Horticultural Society, the Three Counties Agricultural Society and sponsor Bradstone.
For four years, up-and-coming garden designers will create a display garden for the Malvern Spring Gardening Show, where they will pitch on stage to a panel of judges and a public audience.
One each year will win the once in a lifetime opportunity to work alongside talented designer and journalist Chris for a year – and gain advice from Bradstone on setting up, running and marketing a business to help them to succeed in the exciting but tough world of landscape design.
Twelve made it to the scheme’s shortlist for 2009 and had to pitch to a panel of judges on stage, and in front of show visitors in the Design for Living Theatre.
There was a public vote, but the judging panel of Chris, RHS Head of Shows Development Bob Sweet and Biddy Bolsover from Bradstone had the final say – and selected Paul Hervey Brookes as the 2009/2010 scholar.
Paul is now enjoying a 12-month vocational apprenticeship with Chris, working throughout the year with nurseries, design contractors and Bradstone, as well as joining a Royal Horticultural Society course to achieve a recognised qualification.
Paul has already won Best in Show and RHS Silver Gilt for his edible show garden at the Malvern Autumn Show in September and now faces the ultimate challenge of building a small garden at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in May 2010 with the theme of Biodiversity.