Top honour puts Castle Howard among horticultural elite

The award, sponsored by the Historic Houses Association and Christie’s, recognises the importance of gardens with outstanding horticultural and public appeal. Edward Harley, president of the Historic Houses Association, said: “The landscape and gardens had fallen into some neglect in the first half of the 20th century and their reinstatement and improvement is a great tribute to the work of Simon Howard and his parents as well as plantsman James Russell and the present head gardener, Brian Deighton,”

The award was formally presented to the Hon Simon Howard, of Castle Howard, at the Yorkshire landmark yesterday.

Mr Howard said: “We have now joined an elite group of spectacular gardens throughout this country.

“To say I am surprised that we have received this, would be an understatement.

“I have always thought that the grounds and gardens at Castle Howard, although wonderful, would never figure in people’s minds as the sort of ‘garden’ that could win this accolade.

“All credit should go to all the gardeners here who every year, through all types of weather, tirelessly strive to achieve a high standard of presentation that is difficult at the best of times as all true gardeners know.”