A college near Winchester has continued its RHS Chelsea Flower Show medal-winning run with the news of another gold medal and best discovery exhibit.
The accolade is Sparsholt College’s tenth gold medal, adding to the collection of five silver-gilt medals, six silver medals and three bronze medals, alongside seven ‘Best in Category’ awards.
The news was announced after a busy press day where celebrities, renowned horticulturalists and Royalty were able to have an exclusive view of the gardens.
Famous faces visiting the Sparsholt College stand in the grand pavilion included Alex Jones, Ellie Harrison, Chris Bavin, Alan Titchmarsh, Adam Frost and Sir Clive Woodward. The MP for Winchester and Chandler's Ford MP, Steve Brine also dropped into the College's stand, saying : "Thrilled and incredibly proud to visit the Chelsea Flower Show to see Sparsholt College receive a GOLD medal. Sparsholt legend, Chris Bird, is at his 25th Chelsea and this is his 10th Gold. It’s also his birthday today. Many congratulations to the team including Jaz, Ella-May and George who are Second Year students living the Chelsea dream."
Sparsholt College’s garden entry ‘Rustic Recipes Reimagined’ is inspired by recipes from medieval cookery books that can all be responsibly foraged from the local countryside.
The design has been created by Sparsholt’s multiple-medal-winning-team including Chris Bird who is celebrating his 25th RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden design this year alongside winning the President's Award from the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.
Chris Bird, horticulture lecturer, said: “It’s a fantastic result, our tenth gold medal and seventh best in category. It’s an outstanding achievement for everyone involved. Staff, volunteers and students have all worked together to make this an amazing success. We would also like to thank Hazel, Keith and George Smith, Hillier Nurseries, Thompson & Morgan and SEASON cookery school at Lainston House for their generous support.”
Julie Milburn, group principal, said: “We are immensely proud of the Sparsholt College RHS Chelsea Flower Show team this year. The students have worked so hard to help create a such a magnificent and sustainable garden. We would like to congratulate everyone for their hard work and also to congratulate and thank the wonderful Chris Bird for his dedication and commitment to excellence which has seen the outstanding achievement of a tenth gold medal and seventh best in Discovery Exhibit whilst celebrating his 25th year at RHS Chelsea.”
