The industry is gearing up for the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show next month as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) hopes to win a 13th consecutive gold medal award.

The NFU hopes its display will highlight a diverse, professional and dynamic horticultural industry to visitors, while encouraging them to buy home-grown produce and plants whenever they can.

NFU horticulture adviser Dr Chris Hartfield said: “While the NFU is seeking sponsors for future years, this year the NFU and its grower members will be the sole supporters of the display. As a result, and in keeping with the economic climate, we’ll be at Chelsea on a tight budget. But the quality and range of home-grown produce available will enable us to create a spectacular display that is priceless.

“The show is a great opportunity to tell the thousands of visitors about the benefits of British produce. Many of the visitors simply do not realise the diversity of quality fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs and plants grown in the UK. The produce on display ranges from exotic orchids to oriental mushrooms, and includes all the favourites you would expect to see - like piles of fresh, sweet-smelling strawberries.

“Visitors are also amazed to hear none of the produce is grown specifically for the show - it is simply what is available and being grown at that time for stores and markets around the country. This makes the display pretty unique at Chelsea."

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place on May 18-23.

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