A display showcasing the best that British growers have to offer is heading to Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, which starts tomorrow.
The award-winning stand, a partnership between the NFU and Waitrose, aims to show what UK-grown flowers, plants and produce can be bought from the shops now, and also has a range of features to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, reflecting how horticulture has changed during her 60-year reign.
The display, Celebrating the Best of British Summertime, marked designer Penny Riley’s 16th consecutive gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in May and she will be going for yet another gold at Hampton.
It will also give growers the chance to demonstrate how they contribute to the NFU’s latest campaign Farming Delivers for Britain, which was launched last month.
NFU horticulture adviser Chris Hartfield said: “We are always excited about promoting the country’s flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables at the most famous flower shows and this is no exception.
“Even now it still surprises people that everything used on the stand can be bought in stores and markets around the country today, as nothing is grown especially for the display. Penny has done a wonderful job again this year and we hope the stand goes down well with the visitors to Hampton like it did at Chelsea.”
Sue Steptoe, Waitrose’s buying manager, horticulture, said: “Selling and showcasing British produce is at the heart of Waitrose. This is a fabulous display and a tribute to the efforts of all our growers; it's great that even more people will get to see it in its full glory at Hampton Court.”
