IT is the annual gardening show that draws in green-fingered enthusiasts from across the globe, and now a Winchester garden designer has made her mark there.

Nicola Baldwin, owner of PLOT Garden Design based in South Wonston, spent much of last week (May 14-15) helping assemble A Garden for First Touch at St George’s at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show which opened on Tuesday (May 20).

It celebrates the work of the neonatal unit at St George’s Hospital, in London, and the strength and determination shown by premature babies and their families.

Ms Baldwin said: “I am particularly keen to support this show garden because my son was born premature in the neonatal unit at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in 2001.

“It was really inspiring to go and see what happens behind the scenes, and to work alongside a multiple competition winner was brilliant.”

The garden, in the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea, was designed by Patrick Collins who has previously won four gold medals at the show, and has personal experience of the care given at the hospital when his daughter was born prematurely.

It was built by Landscape Associates, who volunteered their expertise and manpower. Director, Richard Curle, said: “As a new dad I am fully behind this wonderful project and feel privileged to support sick and poorly babies at St George’s neonatal unit.”

There are 550 exhibitors at this year’s show, and the first Royal Horticultural Society show was held in 1862.