The city of Rockford, Illinois in America's Great Lakes region, has challenged landscape architecture students at the University of Gloucestershire to create an edible garden inspired by Rockford, known as 'The City of Gardens'. The winning design will be built by the students and showcased at the Malvern Autumn Garden Show, 28-29 September 2013.

The garden concepts were judged by a panel of experts from Rockford. Videos of the designs, as well the feedback from the judges, can be viewed at www.youtube.com/gorockforduk. The show will attract over 60,000 people to the Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire and will feature exhibitors celebrating gardening, food, the countryside and nostalgia. There will also be a competition to win a holiday to Chicago and Rockford.

Judges from Rockford included Tyler Smith, President of Tyler's Landscaping and Rockford Park District Commissioner, Tim Gruner, Curator for Anderson Japanese Gardens, and Jim Wojtowicz, Landscape Architect for Klehm Arboretum.

Mr Smith said: "I was excited to see so much creativity focused on this concept. Each design group had a unique perspective on how to best represent our great city. I applaud all of the designers for how well they researched and incorporated our history into their projects."

Course leader Bill Burford said: "This is fantastic opportunity for these students to work with clients from the USA in the creation of a garden at the Malvern show. Show gardens are complicated to design and build and require careful planning and organisation to procure the best quality plants and hard materials. This is a first-hand opportunity for students studying to understand the industry in which they will work, gain skills and develop a profile before they graduate. We are delighted to be working with Three Counties and Rockford, Illinois in the creation of this great design."

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For further information on Rockford and its attractions, visit www.gorockford.co.uk   Join us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/RockfordIllinoisUK

Fiona  Pettitt
Tel: 08456020574
Email: fiona@cellet.co.uk