Gardening businesses from Shropshire were this afternoon springing into bloom at Chelsea Flower Show 2008.Following a visit by the Queen yesterday, the annual Royal Horticultural Society event opened to the public today and will continue until Saturday. A string of Shropshire businesses have lined up to try to win awards and orders – including Bradleys The Tanner, of Bridgnorth.
The firm was exhibiting bespoke gardening tools and clothing made by its six-strong workforce from hand-crafted English materials and hides.
Church Stretton-based Wilstone House and Gardens of Church Stretton, which picked up awards at both Chelsea and Hampton Court flower shows last year, was showing a wrought iron gazebo, wall-mounted hand-carved lion’s head, planters and other items.
Alison Holt Embroidery, of Oswestry, was hoping her designs would catch the eye of judges, while regular exhibitor and award winner C J Wild Bird Foods Ltd, of Shrewsbury, hoped to secure new orders.
Chris Nangle Furniture Design, from Rednal Industrial Estate, was showing high class ecologically responsible landscape furniture made from prime grade English green oak and marine stainless steel.
Fallen Fruits, of Ludlow, was exhibiting a range of gardening giftware, while Whitchurch-based flower arranger Sheila Clutton and Stimulus Designer Group, from Petton, near Shrewsbury, were both showing off their floral artistry.
Today Brad Burn, from Bradleys The Tannery, said Chelsea Flower Show gave local exhibitors an opportunity to wow gardeners and judges, as well as raise their profile.
The show was given the Royal seal of approval when the Queen paid a visit yesterday.
She stopped to admire a garden designed in memory of former Beatle George Harrison, which tells the story of the keen gardener’s life, and spent several minutes chatting to his widow Olivia.
By Andy Richardson
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