Guernsey charity shares gold success at Chelsea Flower Show

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 09:20

The Grow team at the Chelsea Flower Show. Image credit Neil Applegate.

A garden stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show that GROW contributed to has been awarded a gold medal.

Grow, a Guernsey charity supporting adults with learning difficulties, teamed up with Cornwall’s Burncoose Nurseries to create a display for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Two giant bug hotels, designed and built in Guernsey, were displayed alongside rare and unusual plants in the exhibit, Over the Garden Hedge.

Burncoose owner Charles Williams described the collaboration as “hugely fulfilling”.

"Their bug hotels were meticulously crafted and blended beautifully into the display.

"Our team enjoyed working alongside the Crew members, who worked hard and clearly enjoyed the experience."

Grow crew members Alex Adamson and Alex Houchard went to London to join the setup team during the final stages of preparation ahead of the show opening.

Grow board member Marguerite Talmage says it was an incredible opportunity.

"We are thrilled that Burncoose has been awarded a Gold medal.

"To see first-hand the dedication and teamwork that went into creating a display featuring more than 500 plants was inspiring.

"Being part of the collaboration has been enormously rewarding for all of us.

"The Crew gained confidence and self-esteem from working alongside the Burncoose team.

"We are extremely grateful for the warm welcome we received.

"For Grow’s Crew, contributing handcrafted bug hotels for one of the world’s most celebrated horticultural events is a powerful statement that creativity, skill and ambition flourish when given the right environment, regardless of background or ability."

Guernsey's renowned flower grower, Raymond Evison, claimed his 36th gold medal for his clematis display.