A stunning Chelsea Flower Show display showcasing the best of British fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants has won a gold medal once again, the NFU is proud to announce.
 
It marks the 16th year in a row that designer Penny Riley has walked away with one of the top honours at the world-renowned show and the second gold in a row since the NFU teamed up with Waitrose last year.
 
The ‘Celebrating the best of British Summertime’ stand, visited by celebrities such as Nigel Havers, Jennie Bond, Martin Clunes and many more, was designed with the Queen’s Jubilee in mind, reflecting the last 60 years in the world of horticulture.
 
Crucially, the entire stand is made up of seasonal British produce – nothing is grown especially for the display – so visitors enamoured with any particular fruit, vegetable, flower or plant can pop to their local store and buy it immediately.
 
Chairman of the NFU board for horticulture and potatoes Sarah Dawson said: “This really is a tremendous achievement and testament to the hard work that Penny puts in every year. Chelsea Flower Show is an ideal opportunity to showcase the best of British produce on a world stage and we are delighted that the RHS judges have once again awarded us with a gold medal.”
 
Sue Steptoe, Waitrose buying manager, horticulture, said: “We’re passionate about showcasing British produce - whether it’s British flowers, fruit or vegetables. This award is a tribute to the efforts of all our growers, who go out in all-weather to cultivate the best produce for our customers.”
 
Some of the highlights included as part of the display include of traditional British cottage garden favourite, the Godetia, using the UK’s first ever commercially-grown crop; traditional apple boxes and rhubarb forcers representing the industry’s past; and modern equipment such as a weather station and roller conveyor belt.
 
Chelsea Flower Show runs until Saturday (26) while the stand will also be displayed at Hampton Court Palace Show from July 3-8.