The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has scooped its 13th consecutive gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2009 despite not attracting a much-needed sponsor.
Award-winning florist Penny Riley and her team returned to create this year’s display, made up of homegrown fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants - designed to reflect the patchwork nature of the British countryside and the huge variety of produce and plants grown there.
Although the NFU stand failed to attract a sponsor, British growers rallied round donating fruit, vegetables and flowers to ensure their produce and the horticulture industry remained a strong presence at the world famous show.
Riley said: “We are all thrilled and extremely proud to have won our 13th gold medal and pleased that all the hard work has paid off. The display’s already attracted thousands of visitors and we are glad that it has also proved popular with the judges.”
NFU horticulture adviser Dr Chris Hartfield said: “I am delighted that Penny and her dedicated team have maintained their winning streak and struck gold once again. This is a wonderful achievement and is an advert for all those people who donated their time and produce for free.
“The Chelsea Flower Show is the pinnacle of the gardener’s year and a great opportunity to tell the thousands of visitors about the benefits of British produce. The quality and range of the fresh fruit, veg and flowers available allows us to create a spectacular display that is priceless.”
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