Sparsholt College continue their RHS Chelsea Flower Show medal winning run with the news they’ve won a Gold medal and Best Discovery Exhibit at this year’s show.
The College and their 2018 partner Help for Heroes’ The Force for Good garden was designed and created by Horticulture students and military Veterans. It tells the powerful story of the role horticulture plays in the recovery and ongoing support of injured British Armed Forces personnel and their families.
Lecturer Chris Bird has led the College to eight Gold medals, three Silver-gilt medals, six Silver medals and three Bronze. He said: “It is always an honour to exhibit at RHS Chelsea. This year feels particularly meaningful given the show’s theme of health, wellbeing and happiness. Our students winning another Gold medal at the world’s most famous flower show is wonderful.”
The design of the garden was inspired by conversations between students and veterans. These personal experiences have been brought to life through the planting. The garden shows the positive impact gardening has on mental health and the role horticulture plays in ongoing support and recovery.
Sparsholt student and Head of Plants for The Force for Good garden, Lucy Phalp was thrilled when she heard the news that the team had won two top accolades from The RHS. She said: “Exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve never been to the show before and to be here for the first time with a double award winning stand is just fantastic.”
Veterans Gill Parker and Rachel Willis echoed Lucy’s delight. They said: “It’s gratifying to see that all our hard work on The Force for Good garden has been rewarded. It’s so humbling and very emotional to win not only Gold but also Best in Section. We are all so happy.”