UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 24 MAY
A former Landscape Architecture student from Birmingham City University (BCU) has landed one of the most coveted prizes at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – and, according to her former tutor, cemented her name amongst the foremost garden designers in the world.
Up against intense competition, Ula Maria claimed top spot in the Best Show Garden category at the prestigious horticultural showpiece, which was attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
“Chelsea sets the benchmark in contemporary design,” said BCU senior lecturer and course director Russell Good, who taught Ula during her Masters studies.
“For Ula, it means her name is etched into the list of garden designers that sit on the world stage.”
Ula, who studied for both a BA and an MA in Landscape Architecture at BCU after moving to the UK from Lithuania, was making her debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The 31-year-old’s Forest Bathing Garden was a collaboration with Muscular Dystrophy UK and was described as "a much-needed place of solace and reflection for those affected by a muscle-wasting condition".
Her design had already secured her a Gold Medal before it was crowned the overall winner.
“Ula showed tremendous potential as a design student on the MA in Landscape Architecture and it was her winning design submission at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park in 2017 that cemented the foundations for her successful design studio,” added Russell.
“We are really pleased and excited for her following her accomplishment at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. What a great achievement.”
Russell said Ula’s triumph was also a huge boost for BCU.
“Garden design is one of the most challenging of the human disciplines for landscape architects, so this success underpins the work we do here at BCU,” he said.
“Ula’s win also enhances our reputation as one of the leading design departments in the UK.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean Hughes, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media, added: “Ula’s achievement is wonderful for her, for Muscular Dystrophy UK and for BCU.
“It’s always heartening to hear of student successes - and to win such a prestigious accolade as Best Show Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is truly momentous.
“Congratulations to Ula on her award. It’s well deserved.”