Judges for the prestigious Yorkshire in Bloom Awards have announced that York Racecourse has scooped a highly prized Gold Rose Award for its many floral displays, herbaceous borders and landscaping.

In a glowing report, the judges in the business and commercial category said “The whole area is maintained to an exceptionally high standard and changes are continually being made to meet today’s environmental needs. This entry is of such a high standard with a good infrastructure in place to ensure its future it is difficult to add anything.”

The award-winning flowers in the borders, hanging baskets and throughout the site, are grown from seed or seedlings within our own greenhouses and are RHS plants for pollinators. The perennial herbaceous borders, which can be enjoyed throughout the venue, are a haven for butterflies and pollinators in the summer.

As part of the Green Knavesmire 300 environmental strategy, enhancing biodiversity is one of four key pillars, alongside Net Zero by 2040, conserving water and embracing the circular economy. The judges recognised the commitment to these, and there will be several more projects with the specific goal of enhancing biodiversity over the coming years.

Zac Rafferty, Head Gardener said, “I’m very fortunate in having such a wonderful space to grow and then display plants. Each year we consciously look at ways to increase biodiversity, now we don’t just encourage bees and butterflies with pollinators but look at providing viable year-round habitats for birds and hedgehogs too. We are delighted that this has been recognised by Yorkshire in Bloom”

The displays and beds so much admired by Yorkshire in Bloom can be seen for a final time weekend as it welcomes racegoers to the October Finale (Friday 13 & Saturday 14 October).