A SPECIALIST grower of rare and unusual Pelargoniums, from Evesham has been thrust into the national spotlight after being featured on BBC Gardeners’ World on Friday evening (June 13).
Introduced by Monty Don and interviewed by Rachel de Thame, nursery founder Steven Monks of Growing Crazy, shared his passion for Pelargoniums and preparations for the BBC Gardeners’ World Live at Birmingham’s NEC.
The segment highlighted the nursery’s unique focus on preserving and showcasing historically significant varieties, and the story of how Steven – who started growing Pelargoniums at age 13 – fulfilled his dream of becoming a nurseryman.
Monty Don buying a selection of scented leaved Pelargoniums from Harry Allen of Growing Crazy.
Growing Crazy cleared wowed judges and visitors alike at the show, earning a coveted gold medal for its spectacular floral display.
The exhibit, which paid tribute to the Georgian origins of Pelargonium hybridising, featured a wide selection of Pelargoniums to highlight the diversity of the genus.
Having given up his job just six months as a university lecturer prior to exhibiting at the show, Steven said: “We were absolutely thrilled to work on the feature for Gardeners’ World and then to win a gold at the NEC.
“It’s a huge honour and a real celebration of the amazing diversity and history of these plants.”
Growing Crazy operates as an online nursery and regularly appears at plant fairs and flower shows across the country.
Following its recent success the nursery is now planning displays for future shows, including the upcoming Blenheim Palace Flower Show.
