Swiss Garden crowned RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2026

We're delighted that Swiss Garden has been voted the winner of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden of the Year 2026 competition, as well as the regional winner for the Midlands & East region, following a nationwide public vote.

The annual RHS competition celebrates the glorious gardens within the RHS Partner Garden scheme, and this year highlighted the important role which gardens play in bringing visitors closer to nature. This resonates with the RHS Bringing Nature Home campaign which is championing the importance of all gardens in protecting biodiversity.

Our Swiss Garden is a unique example of a Regency garden in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ or ‘Alpine’ style forming part of the Grade II* registered Old Warden Park. In line with the Picturesque tradition, Swiss Garden embraces the power of natural landscapes, and its team support wildlife and biodiversity through their gardening practices. Shrub beds follow a no dig approach to protect soil life and organic fertilisers are used sparingly. Eco piles and leaf litter create undisturbed spaces for insects and hedgehogs, while ponds are maintained as healthy habitats for waterfowl. Trees are checked carefully during nesting season and pollinator plants such as buddleja add colour and life across the garden.

Voters’ quotes in support of Swiss Garden included:

‘Shuttleworth’s Swiss Cottage is a beautiful gem in a stunning location. I visit often, as I walk through the gate my body relaxes and for a few hours it’s just bliss.’

‘Nature thrives throughout the grounds, from vibrant seasonal flowers to an abundance of wildlife. The two lovely peacocks that roam freely add an extra charm, making the whole experience feel even more magical.’

On receiving the award, Tony Young, Head Gardener at Shuttleworth, commented: “Winning RHS Partner Garden of the Year is a real honour, and we are delighted that our Swiss Garden is such a special place to so many people who voted. Swiss Garden has gone through quite a period of development, a journey which we are still on, so winning this award has given us the opportunity to stop and reflect on all that we have achieved so far. None of this would have been possible without our volunteers; their dedication to Swiss Garden is incredible and the garden would not be the wonderful place it is today without them.”

Dr Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, commented: “In the often-challenging times in which we live, the beauty and tranquillity that comes with visiting gardens, with their chance to reconnect with nature, is so important to our wellbeing. All our RHS Partner Gardens are on the frontline of championing nature, encouraging wildlife and supporting biodiversity and special congratulations must go to Shuttleworth Swiss Garden and all our Partner Garden of the Year regional winners for being recognised in our annual competition.”

As a RHS Partner Garden, Swiss Garden welcomes RHS members for free on Mondays and Thursdays (excluding event days) and is proud to be part of a network of outstanding gardens that help inspire a love of gardening and the natural world.