Common Ground, the award-winning show garden at the 2026 Harrogate Spring Flower Show, earned Gold for its innovative blend of sustainability, community, and design. Built by J Paxman Landscapes with support from British Recycled Plastic, the garden featured durable modular Parklets made from recycled plastic, now relocated to Project Colt in Elland as a permanent community space. The project highlighted how sustainable landscaping materials can create long-lasting social and environmental impact.
Table of Contents
- Common Ground won Gold at the 2026 Harrogate Spring Flower Show.
- Built by J Paxman Landscapes with British Recycled Plastic Parklets.
- Garden focused on sustainability, community, and wellbeing.
- Modular recycled plastic parklets were used for seating and planters.
- They are weatherproof, maintenance-free, and made to last.
- After the show, the garden was relocated to Project Colt in Elland.
- The project received coverage from ITV and BBC News.
- Demonstrates how sustainable materials can support lasting community spaces.
When we announced our partnership with J Paxman Landscapes for this year’s Harrogate Spring Flower Show, we couldn’t wait to share what was being built. Common Ground has been an incredible labour of love for landscaping, and following on from the Harrogate Flower Show, we’re absolutely delighted to share the result: Common Ground has won a Gold Award!
This marks J Paxman Landscapes’ second consecutive Gold at Harrogate, and the team at British Recycled Plastic are extremely proud to have played our part with our recycled plastic parklets.
A Garden Built on Shared Values
From the very beginning, Common Ground was about more than just a show garden. Designed by FDA Landscape and built by J Paxman Landscapes, the garden was designed and built around themes of sustainability, community, and connection — with a future that would continue to bring these values to members of the local community.
As a Material Innovation Partner, we supplied our modular recycled plastic parklets to form the garden’s planter and seating structure. Durable and weather-resistant with a 25-year guarantee, they were the natural fit for a garden that needed to look great on the show floor before living on as a permanent community space over at Project Colt in Elland.
Gold For the Second Year Running
J Paxman Landscapes have proven that their commitment to quality and meaningful design is no flash in the pan. Having taken Best in Show at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show in 2025, this year’s Gold for Common Ground showcases the team’s ability to combine craftsmanship with genuine community purpose. Nathan Paxman, who built and managed the project, captured it best when describing working on Common Ground:
“It’s been fantastic to be an integral part of the Show Garden experience at Harrogate again this year. It’s especially rewarding as the garden represents Family and Community in every element – just like our business.”
Common Ground drew in thousands of visitors across the four-day event, including coverage from ITV and BBC News. Visitors were enticed by the inviting woodland seating area, as well as the striking mural created by Yorkshire artist Serena Rogers in collaboration with volunteers from Project Colt.
What our Parklets Brought to the Garden
Designed to be completely modular, our parklets offered the perfect seating for a garden designed to be dismantled and relocated. After wowing visitors in Harrogate, the parklets have now joined Project Colt in Bridgefield Mills, Elland, where they’ll be refilled with plants and vegetables to be enjoyed by the local community for years to come.
This is exactly the kind of project our products are made for.
Our recycled plastic planters and seating don’t rot, splinter, or need treatment. They perform year after year, outdoors in all weathers, with no maintenance required. Plus, the black-coloured material effectively retains heat that will help plants to grow, without risk of microplastics leeching into the soil. Project Colt’s community garden deserves materials that are as committed to sustainability as the community itself – and we’re proud to be a part of that.
A Collaboration We’re Proud Of
This project grew from a relationship built on trust. J Paxman Landscapes had already used our Denholme picnic tables and Skipton bench at a local club in Huddersfield before choosing our parklets for Common Ground.
As a family business, J Paxman Landscapes understands the importance of collaboration and giving back to the community. Justin Paxman put it best when he reflected on the show:
“Gaining the Gold Award is a great honour, but that’s not why we take part in these show garden builds. The conversations we’ve had about how landscapes, planting and gardens are vital in creating welcoming, healthy and social spaces put everything into perspective.”
We couldn’t agree more!
Congratulations to the whole Common Ground team: J Paxman Landscapes, FDA Landscape, Serena Rogers, Project Colt, and everyone who contributed a hand-painted pebble to the garden wall. You’ve made something truly special and we’re pleased to see Common Ground win the success it deserves.
Learn More About Parklets
Inspired by what our parklets can do? Explore our modular Parklet range or give us a call on 01422 419 555 — we’d love to chat about what’s possible for your space. Our recycled plastic parklets can be the perfect way to combine greenery and seating in your pub garden, high street, or hospitality space.
Contact us on: info@britishrecycledplastic.co.uk or 01422 419 555.
Written by Molly Barrett
Published on 18th May 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
