British Recycled Plastic’s modular Parklets helped Common Ground — designed by FDA Landscape and built by J Paxman Landscapes — win Gold at the 2026 Harrogate Flower Show. In this blog, we share five key lessons from the award-winning garden: from designing with community purpose and committing to a clear theme, to choosing sustainable, adaptable materials that stand the test of time. Discover how thoughtful design, the right team, and 100% recycled plastic products can come together to create something truly special and long lasting.
Table of Contents
- Common Ground won Gold at the 2026 Harrogate Flower Show.
- The garden was designed by FDA Landscape, built by J Paxman Landscapes.
- A permanent home at Yorkshire charity Project Colt was planned from the start.
- Yorkshire artist Serena Rogers plus volunteers created a striking ‘TOGETHER’ mural for the garden.
- Modular Parklets from British Recycled Plastic were used for seating and planters.
- Recycled plastic and reclaimed timber impressed both visitors and judges alike.
- The Gold Award reflects what the right team can achieve together.
Winning Gold at the Harrogate Flower Show doesn’t happen by accident. As a Material Innovation Partner for Common Ground — the 2026 Gold Award-winning garden designed by FDA Landscape and built by J Paxman Landscapes — British Recycled Plastic had a front-row seat to what makes a show garden truly stand out.
Below are some of our tips for creating a stand-out show garden that will leave a lasting impression.
1. Start with Community
The most memorable show gardens aren’t just beautiful — they provide lasting value. From day one, Common Ground was built around a genuine community purpose, with a post-show future already planned before a single spade hit the ground. Project Colt is a Yorkshire-based charity working to support people in recovery. The garden was inspired by the landscape of Project Colt and community workshops with their resident artist that helped to create elements of the garden were an integral part of the design and process. After wowing thousands of visitors in Harrogate and attracting coverage from ITV and BBC News, the garden has settled in its permanent home at Project Colt where members of the community can continue to enjoy their garden for years to come. Common Ground is now part of a thriving community garden, filled with vegetables and herbs for local people to enjoy.
2. Commit to Your Theme
The best show gardens have a clear visual identity. In Common Ground, that running theme was community and togetherness. With the help of Yorkshire based artist Serena Rogers and other members of Project Colt, the vibrant ‘TOGETHER’ mural sat at the heart of the garden, alongside hand-painted pebbles which were woven into the garden wall. This unique artwork elevated Common Ground to be something truly special, reflecting the creativity, passion, and even the lush green landscape found in abundance over at Project Colt.
3. Design for Adaptability
One of the key decisions made early in the Common Ground project was choosing materials and structures that could be dismantled and relocated with ease. British Recycled Plastic’s modular Parklets — used as the garden’s planter and seating structure — were perfect for the job as they are designed to be reconfigured and rehomed. Adaptability wasn’t an afterthought or coincidence; it’s a design principle that lies at the heart of Common Ground.
4. Sustainability is More Than a Talking Point
Sustainability was one of the core tenets of Common Ground. Featuring 100% recycled plastic Parklets from British Recycled Plastic, as well as reclaimed timber forming the stunning garden archway, the material choices resonated with visitors and judges alike — reflecting the garden’s community values both in theme and in practice. Judges at the Flower Show praised the thoughtful blend of planting, timber, and planters beneath the tree canopy, noting how the planter seating brought a sense of symmetry to the oak seating area and tied the whole space together.
5. Work With the Right Team
Common Ground was a true team effort, and its Gold Award is a reflection of what can be achieved when passionate people and organisations come together around a shared vision. British Recycled Plastic were pleased to once again be working with J Paxman Landscapes, who not only delivered the build, but took the lead on coordinating each contributor to bring every element together seamlessly. Their trust and experience with our recycled plastic materials helped ensure that the project was a huge success.
Jason Elliott, Director at British Recycled Plastic, reflected on the team’s contribution to Common Ground:
“Being part of a Gold-winning garden at Harrogate is something the whole British Recycled Plastic team is incredibly proud of. Common Ground is a perfect example of how sustainable materials don’t have to compromise on quality or ambition — in fact, they can elevate a project entirely. What makes this one extra special is that the garden lives on as a genuine community asset. That’s exactly what we’re about: products built to last, in spaces that matter to people.”
A huge congratulations to the entire team for their involvement:
- Association of Professional Landscapers
- British Recycled Plastic
- FDA Landscape
- Freddie Mcguire, Woodturner
- J Paxman Landscapes
- JTD Building Supplies, Holmfirth
- Project Colt
- Serena Rogers
We can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Learn More About Recycled Plastic Parklets
Inspired to spruce up your own garden or outdoor space? Our modular Parklets are built for exactly this kind of project — durable, sustainable, and designed to go wherever they’re needed. Visit britishrecycledplastic.co.uk to find out more, or contact our friendly team on:
Email: info@britishrecycledplastic.co.uk
Phone: 01422 419 555
Written by Molly Barrett
Published on 18th June 2026
Yes, our modular parklets have been successfully implemented in various urban projects, such as the Stockwood Pocket Park in Bristol. This initiative revitalised a high street area, creating a vibrant community space that underscores the effectiveness of our parklets in urban renewal.
Check out our video about the project here:
By transforming grey city areas into green oases, British Recycled Plastic modular parklets provide spaces that promote mental wellness and community engagement. They offer residents a place to connect with nature, relax, and interact with one another, fostering a sense of community and well-being
Absolutely. The modular nature of our parklets simplifies installation, and the use of recycled plastic ensures they are maintenance-free. Unlike traditional materials, they do not rot, split, or require regular upkeep, making them a cost-effective solution for urban spaces.
Yes, our modular design allows for flexibility in configuration and size, enabling adaptation to various urban settings. Components such as seating, planters, and decking can be arranged to meet specific community needs and spatial constraints.
To learn more, call us at 01422 419 555.
By incorporating recycled materials, our parklets reduce environmental impact and promote eco-conscious living. They create green, immersive spaces that enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide residents with areas for relaxation and social interaction
A British Recycled Plastic modular parklet is a versatile, prefabricated structure designed to transform urban spaces into accessible green areas. Constructed from durable materials, these parklets can be customised to fit various locations, providing seating, planters, and other amenities to enhance community engagement and environmental quality.
British Recycled Plastic Parkets, made from 100% recycled materials, are durable, weatherproof, and low-maintenance. To learn more, call us on 01422 419 555
