For he is one of three winners of the NS&I (National Savings and Investments) 'Growing Gardens Today' competition.

The competition was held by the BBC TV 'Gardeners' World Live 2008' initiative in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

The designs all featured growing vegetables as a key focus – a requirement that links in with NS&I's ongoing sponsorship of the RHS 'Grow Your Own Veg' campaign.

Andy and the two other winners, from East Sussex and Leicestershire, all received a £5,000 grant to build a 25 square-metre garden and witness it on display in the 'Grow Your Own' area at this year's BBC 'Gardeners' World Live' show.

This will be held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from June 11 to 15.

Andy (48), who is in business as Halcyon Days Garden Design on Papplewick Lane, was awarded a bronze medal at last year's 'Gardeners' World Live' event for his first show garden.

He founded Halcyon Days after completing a two-year foundation degree in garden design.

Andy, who is looking forward to the competition challenge, said: "Growing vegetables has always played a big part in my life.

"My father was a very keen and knowledgeable gardener who, at one time, even kept three allotments on the go.

"With a greater need for sustainability and more awareness of the need for a healthy lifestyle, vegetable growing is taking on a whole new level of importance."

Andy's design shows that even with limited space, a vegetable garden does not need to be dull but can be both attractive and practical.

His design allows for easy access and combines a wide variety of vegetables with a selection of fruit and herbs.

He created a garden facing south-west to provide additional drainage and achieve maximum sunlight to generate the highest yield.

Andy is keen to thank Hucknall firm Wood Lane Timber for sponsoring him with materials.