The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has awarded 124 RHS Medals to the gardens and floral exhibits in the Great Pavilion at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (22-26 May) sponsored by M&G Investments, with Chris Beardshaw scooping Best Show Garden for The Morgan Stanley Garden for the NSPCC. The garden showcases a secure and sensory environment offering a tranquil woodland scene filled with soft, textured perennials. It is Morgan Stanley’s fourth year with Chris Beardshaw and has been designed to raise awareness of the work of the NSPCC.
Gardens among the Gold Medal winners also included The M&G Garden with designer Sarah Price, The Wedgewood Garden by Jo Thompson and The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden designed by Mark Gregory, Managing Director of Landform who also received the Best Construction Award. Kazuyuki Ishihara’s O-mo-te-na-shi no NIWA – The Hospitality Garden won Best Artisan Garden meanwhile Best in the all new Space to Grow category was awarded to Urban Flow – in partnership with Thames Water, by debut RHS Chelsea designer Tony Woods. The new category offers original ideas, trends and take home messages to inspire visitors to transform their outdoor spaces. A total of 55 Gold Medals were awarded to nurseries and growers at the heart of the Show in the Great Pavilion. In addition a total of 35 Silver-Gilt Medals, seven Silver Medals and two Bronze Medals were handed out. The Diamond Jubilee Award for the best exhibit in the Great Pavilion was presented to Southfield Nurseries, who were awarded their 30th Gold Medal for their 30th appearance which also marked their last appearance at the Show before retiring from Chelsea. The coveted President’s Award was presented to Ashwood Nurseries for their display of Hellebores which are being exhibited out of season for the first time.
The Flora Journal 