THE WERE smiles all round for an Evesham plantsman and his team at last week’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Malvern Spring Festival.
Specialist grower of rare and unusual Pelargoniums, Steven Monks, from Growing Crazy, was delighted to be awarded a silver-gilt medal by judges for his floral display.
Steven was thrust into the national spotlight after being featured on BBC Gardeners’ World last summer, when Rachel de Thame interviewed him about his passion for the species.
It was the first time the nursery, which operates a mail-order business from Offenham, had exhibited at an RHS show.
Steven, who gave up his job as a university lecturer to follow his dream of becoming a nurseryman, said: “The show went absolutely brilliantly, although it was a bit stressful getting set up ready for the display and the judges.
“We are absolutely over the moon to get a silver-gilt medal.”
The nursery’s unique focus is on preserving and showcasing historically significant varieties, and Steven, who started growing Pelargoniums aged 13, now has five species in the National Collection.
Steven and team are now getting ready to exhibit at RHS Chelsea Flower Show which runs May 19 to 23, before going on to Gardener’s World Live at the NEC and RHS Badminton in July.
“It’s a busy year for RHS shows,” he added.
