Horticulture and livestock join forces at Chelsea

Scenes from the English countryside floating on islands down a trickling stream. This idyllic picture is the vision behind the NFU’s stand at the Chelsea Flower Show this year.

The stand, sponsored by the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) for the second year running, will tell the story of food production and how it crosses over into traditional scenes from English life.

EBLEX’s sponsorship will again unite the livestock and horticulture sectors telling a positive story about home-grown food. The scenes on the stand will include a topiary cow and sheep in an English meadow, an urban barbeque scene and a country picnic.

As usual the stand will be stocked full of fruit and vegetables, cut flowers, herbs and ornamentals all supplied by 50 NFU members.

The NFU has won nine consecutive RHS gold medals for its Chelsea Flower Show stand. Penny Riley, has designed the NFU stand every year.

She said: “This year we’re telling the story of good food and the English countryside and how important it is in people’s lives. We also want to highlight the fantastic range of produce that is grown in this country and encourage shoppers to look for British products.

“The stream also tells a story – the importance of water. This year there is even more pressure on water resources. British growers are very water efficient and our stand design uses very little too.”

Peter Kendall, NFU president, said: “We’re hugely proud of our record at Chelsea. It’s a chance for our horticulture members to showcase the very best of their produce and our chance to engage with many thousands of members of the public. We also welcome back EBLEX as sponsors for the second year, allowing us to unite horticulture and the livestock sector in one creative display.”

Jane Ritchie-Smith, brand manager of EBLEX, said: “We are delighted to partner with the NFU to create such a stunning garden feature which showcases this country’s wonderful produce including Quality Standard beef and lamb.”