A WINCHESTER garden centre is chasing its 68th consecutive gold at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.
But staff at Hillier’s Nurseries won’t be playing it safe - the theme of their entry is ‘Risk’.
Managing director, Andrew McIndoe, said: “The theme of ‘Risk’ and the title could not be more apt. The growing conditions have been extremely difficult. The cold temperatures and dull days have meant that our Chelsea stock is well behind where it should be by this stage.
“The theme will be conveyed through innovative colour combinations, exciting structures and dramatic foliage.”
Amongst the 3,5000 plants Hillier’s will be displaying at the show will be a new variety of French lavender called bouquet of roses, a new form of black elder named blue sheen, a new cultivar of Astelia called Silver Shadow and a new French-bred Viburnum – Le Bois Marquis.
Mr McIndoe said: “We are chasing a 68th consecutive Chelsea Gold medal this year, and as the most successful exhibitor in the history of the show, the pressure is most definitely on.”
A team of 20 Hillier’s staff will start building the display on Friday (May 10).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here