FOR THE 74th consecutive year Hiller Nurseries has won the gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Lilly Gom who made her debut at this year's flower show designed the winning ‘Stihl Hillier Garden’ which blends together contemporary and traditional themes.

The central element, alongside the thousands of plants, is a water feature.

The garden has been sponsored, for a second consecutive year, by the garden tool manufacturer, STIHL.

Following the win Lilly said: “I am feeling so many emotions since receiving this medal – happiness, shock, relief!

"I am beyond thrilled that we have been able to carry on the momentum and win a 74th consecutive gold for Hillier.

"It has reiterated that all our hard work has paid off.”

George Hillier, fifth generation family member and director of property at Hillier, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received yet another gold medal. We get asked if we get complacent about getting gold – if anything it’s the opposite. "Each year, nerves and anticipation seem to run higher than ever.

"Thankfully we have a fantastic team and are incredibly fortunate to be working with our new designer, Lilly.

"Everyone at Hillier works so hard all year round to make Chelsea happen and this is a truly wonderful recognition of that.”

Hillier has exhibited at the flower show for more than 100 years.

This year, the Ampfield based nursery introduced three new plants .

These are Weigela ‘Picobella Rosa’, Isoplexis isabelliana ‘Bella’ and Cordyline ‘Pink Star’.

The new plants have been sourced by the Hillier research and development team.

Weigela will produce more than 500 deep-pink flowers between May and October, and this long flowering period makes it a favourite with bees.

This plant will eventually reach 50-60cm high and 100cm wide, requiring little maintenance and can survive temperatures as low as -25°C.

This means it can be grown throughout the UK, and will be available through Hillier Nurseries this summer.

Isoplexis is a cottage garden plant that produces golden apricot coloured flowers on spikes between July and October.

Cordyline is a vibrant pink plant which makes it look almost tropical.