Award Winning Legacy™ Apple

Frank P Matthews Trees launched a new commemorative apple tree, ‘Legacy™’, earlier this year to mark the nursery’s 125th anniversary while supporting the work of the National Garden Scheme. The variety has already attracted significant industry recognition, collecting multiple awards at leading horticultural trade events during its launch year.

This month Apple ‘Legacy’™ was named Best in Show at the Four Oaks Trade Show, held on 2-3 September 2026 at Four Oaks Nurseries in Cheshire. From 100 plant entries judged by Ian Riggs, Robin Squance, Derek Jarman, Howard Drury, Peter Burks and Martin Ward, Apple ‘Legacy’™ was first announced as the winner of the Shrub, Tree and Climber category before going on to secure the Best in Show!

This was followed quickly by a second award at Glee, Birmingham with Apple ‘Legacy’™ presented with The Andy Bunker Award for Best of British, recognising outstanding British horticultural excellence.

Producing crisp, sweet and aromatic apples with excellent disease resistance, Legacy™ offers significant benefits for gardeners and growers alike. Unlike many apple varieties, the fruit remains on the tree until mid-January, providing fresh harvests throughout the winter while also serving as an important food source for birds and other wildlife.

Legacy™ was also launched in partnership with the National Garden Scheme (NGS). For every tree sold, a donation is made to support the NGS and its vital work funding nursing and health charities across the UK.

Managing Director Steph Dun James commented “What a way to return to Four Oaks! We’re absolutely thrilled that our Apple ‘Legacy’™ has been awarded both Best in Show and Best Shrub, Tree & Climber at this year’s Four Oaks Trade Show. It’s been a few years since we last exhibited at Four Oaks, so to return and receive such fantastic recognition makes the award even more meaningful.”

Awards and Recognition

June 2026: HTA New Plant Awards
Legacy™ was awarded Best in Category (Trees).

September 2026: Four Oaks Trade Show Awards
Legacy™ received both Best in Show and Best Shrub, Tree and Climber.

September 2026: Glee Birmingham
Legacy™ was presented with The Andy Bunker Award for Best of British, recognising outstanding British horticultural excellence.

With four major industry awards already secured in its launch year, Legacy™ has firmly established itself as one of the standout new fruit tree introductions of 2026.

What to know more about the Award Winning Apple ‘Legacy’™ – click here…