THE HORTICULTURE team at Pershore College is celebrating after winning a gold medal for its floral display at last week’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Malvern Spring Festival.
The display in the floral marquee which showcased three inspiring women in horticulture, was designed and created by students with the support of lecturers.
It is the second year running that the college (part of WCG) has been allocated a slot in the prestigious floral marquee, which aims at showcasing the best nurseries, plant societies and collections.
Getting a gold medal at an RHS show is considered the highest accolade in the horticultural industry, indicating a top-tier achievement and confirming that the exhibit is among the best in the world.
A glimpse of Pershore College’s gold medal stand. Picture Lise Evans
Head of horticulture at Pershore College, Josh Egan-Wyer, told the Observer that tears were shed when students and staff entered the marquee last Thursday morning (May 7) and saw the medal card.
“We couldn’t believe it, there was such elation and fighting back the tears of joy for this accolade that the students and team thoroughly deserve.
He said it had been a labour of love building it and added: “I am so pleased that we have been able to put on such a display which has been recognised by the RHS judges as worthy of a gold medal.”
The display, based on the works of Gertrude Jekyll, Ellen Willmott and Beth Chatto was created with plants grown at Pershore College.
It took some 12 months in the planning, although this began in earnest in September with the new academic cohort.
“The joy of being inside the marquee is that the students have learnt how to grow all the plants which were for sale and understand the showmanship of how to put them on display.
“It’s the entire process and I think that is a really important skill that we teach,” he added.
“Throughout the festival, students have been meeting and networking with top professionals, gaining invaluable insights and making connections that will support their future careers.”
The team was also delighted to welcome regular BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Joe Swift, who spent time with the students and purchased plants from their display.
CEO and principal of WCG, Sara-Jane Watkins, added: “I am incredibly proud of the horticultural department at Pershore College.
“This is testament to the hard work, creativity and expertise of the team led by the talented and committed Josh Egan-Wyer.
“Their dedication to horticultural excellence continues to set a high bar for our students and the wider industry.
“Well done to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life.”
The annual May event marks the launch of the RHS show season across the UK and welcomed 90,000 visitors across the four days.
It hosted special guests from the worlds of gardening and food, including Dame Mary Berry, Alan Titchmarsh CBE, Monty Don OBE and Raymond Blanc OBE.
