2008: The Best Rhs Chelsea Flower Show Ever!

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has pronounced the 2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Show to be the best one ever! Sixteen of the 43 gardens at this year’s show and 41 floral exhibitors in the Great Pavilion, have been awarded coveted RHS Gold Awards at the world’s best flower show.

Robert Sweet, organiser of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, said: “Chelsea stands for the highest level of horticultural excellence, and this year is no exception with the number of gold medals awarded for gardens increasing by 30% above any previous year. The show gardens have gone the extra mile to set the backdrop for some of the most exciting trees and plants ever seen at the show. Within the Great Pavilion, trees are tickling the ceiling and the floral exuberance is better than we have ever seen before.”

“The RHS Chelsea Flower Show continues to surprise, and annually it brings new plants and innovative designs from world class designers. Exhibitors have given special attention this year to environmental responsibility by designing in features including water harvesting, recycling and using plants which are carbon dioxide guzzlers.”

‘The Laurent-Perrier Garden’, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith received the Best Show Garden award at the 2008 show. Robert Sweet said: “The judges were particularly impressed with the unique cloud clipped hornbeams, and the subtlety of pastel green shades used by experienced designer, Tom Stuart-Smith. The garden provides a tranquil setting complete with infinity water features.”

The award for Best Courtyard Garden was presented to Dorset Cereals Ltd, for ‘Dorset Cereals Edible Playground’. Robert Sweet said: “First time exhibitors Dorset Cereals, have provided a perfect setting for an edible garden which includes exciting elements for children. The perfectly executed, environmentally friendly garden includes a wide range of grow your own fruit and vegetables, enabling children to understand where their food comes from.” Encouraging children into gardening is key to the RHS, which launched its Campaign for School Gardening in September 2007. The Campaign has since attracted more than 4,000 primary schools.

Adam Frost’s ‘A Welcome Sight’ was announced as Best Urban Garden. Robert Sweet said: “Adam has taken special care to choose appropriate, all year round planting and an achievable structure for his front garden. His attention to detail in this eco-friendly garden really impressed the judges.”

The President’s Award is given to an outstanding exhibit in the Great Pavilion, and is personally chosen by the RHS President. This year’s winner was the Alpine Garden Society.

Mr Peter Buckley, President of the RHS, said: “Chelsea Flower Show celebrates the efforts of not just seasoned professionals, but also highly accomplished amateurs. The Alpine Garden Society has assembled an exemplary display within the Great Pavilion.”

A new award at the show this year is The President’s Most Creative Award, which was presented to Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden from Cape Town, South Africa, for their climate change display depicting indigenous South African plants dealing with the various stages of drought and heat tolerance.

Peter Buckley said: “The RHS is very keen to help gardeners to adapt to the impacts of climate change.”

The annual assessment of trade stands within the show resulted in a total of 106 awards being made, including seven trophy winners. The judges specifically look for stands which have been designed and built to extremely high standards, including an appropriate element of planting.

The trophy winning trade stand exhibitors were Alitex, David Goode, Fletcher & Myburgh Designs, Flights of Fantasy, Hartley Botanic, JC Climbing Frames, and Oak Leaf Gates.