A Royal smile for clematis expert's 32nd Chelsea gold
LOCAL clematis flowers have stunned judges at Chelsea Flower Show, with Raymond Evison getting his 32nd gold award yesterday.
The London event opened to RHS members.
Mr Evison said he was very pleased with the award.
‘People have really loved what we have done, and that is so satisfying,’ he said.
The Queen was able to attend Chelsea on Monday night, with the help of an electric buggy. She often pops by Mr Evison’s stall and this year was no different.
He said it was nice to see her.
He said it was nice to see her.‘She looked really well and it was wonderful to see her,’ he said.
‘There were lots of smiles.’
Mr Evison said while some blooms were late and others were going over, overall he was pleased with the 2,000 plants.
‘Everything worked out well,’ he said.
‘I think the conditions are about the best we’ve had at Chelsea.’
He still has several busy days at the event, as it opens to the public. He is set to return to the island on Monday.
Another grower with local connections was also celebrating yesterday.
Garden and planting designer Jane Porter was born in Scotland, but grew up in Guernsey and was educated at Ladies’ College.
In partnership with Guernsey company Qualis Taxation Services, her entry was in the new Container Garden category. The Still Garden featured plants that thrive across the Highlands and Islands in reclaimed whisky casks transformed into unique planters. There were 13 entries in the new category and Ms Porter’s entry was one of just three from the class to get gold at the show.
