What a result for Hartley Botanic

Pictured at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show are (left to right): Martin Toogood, Chairman of Hartley Botanic, Lee Burkhill of ‘the Garden Ninja’ (tradestand garden designer) and Tom Barry, Managing Director of Hartley Botanic

Greenfield-based greenhouse and glasshouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic has been awarded both the 5 Star award and the Director General’s tradestand award for its ‘provenance and history’ themed tradestand at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The stand, which has been designed and planted by RHS winning Lee Burkhill - ‘the Garden Ninja’ - with landscaping by award winning G.K. Wilson landscape services, provides a historical snapshot into the incredible stories and plant hunter origins behind some of our best loved and most familiar plants.

It celebrates the fearless work of ‘orchid hunters’, the passion and ambition of Victorian plant collectors and the pivotal scientific discoveries which came about through botanical study.

The stand’s ‘provenance and history’ theme was inspired both by the increasing importance of thoughtful plant sourcing, and by its central importance in Hartley Botanic’s own story – for 80 years the company has been making its beautiful, handmade aluminium greenhouses from the same Oldham factory, beneath the base of the dramatic Pennines’ Chew Valley.

The award comes after Hartley Botanic was named the RHS’ recommended aluminium greenhouse and glasshouse supplier last year and countless appearances at the annual RHS Chelsea flower show - the manufacturer can trace its presence at Chelsea back to as early as the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

Hartley Botanic’s stand features four of its handmade greenhouses and glasshouses, a modern Opus glasshouse, a Victorian Lodge, a traditional Grow and Store and a contemporary Hartley Planthouse, each with an intricate and striking display, telling an individual and compelling botanical history story.

Hartley Botanic managing director Tom Barry said: “We are thrilled by our stand’s double award win.

"The theme and design of our stand was particularly special for us this year as it tells a planting story which reflects our 80^th anniversary and our desire to share Hartley Botanic’s provenance and history with customers.

"As with the many plant varieties gracing our gardens, the heritage of our greenhouses and glasshouses is not immediately apparent, but gardeners are increasingly understanding the value and importance of provenance and are looking closer in their purchasing decisions to create sustainable gardens which give joy over a lifetime.”