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Cornish Plant Pioneers and conservation showcased

Burncoose Nurseries, Great Pavilion, Stand F11

The well established RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibitor, Burncoose Nurseries, is hoping to build on previous success at the UK’s most prestigious horticultural show.  The 2010 exhibit in the Grand Pavilion highlights the history and heritage of Cornish plant pioneers and present day conservation and species management.

The Voyages of Discovery Garden, which is once again supported by Terra Firma Capital Partners, has been inspired by local Cornish family, the Fox family of Falmouth.  The Foxs are renowned garden creators who, partly through their connections in the shipping trade, helped to popularise new and interesting plants and also helped to create the concept of Cornwall as a sub-tropical garden.

The influence of plant hunting expeditions on Cornish gardens will be showcased through the design of the garden and the planting of sub tropical plants that now thrive in Cornwall.

The Voyages of Discovery Garden will also include examples of plants that are now under threat in the wild, yet are seen to be common garden plants.  The message of conservation and managing the environment will be brought out through the use of plants throughout the exhibit.

Each year, Terra Firma uses their sponsorship at RHS Chelsea to support the work of The Prince’s Trust in changing young lives. This year, Prince’s Trust Celebrity Ambassador, TV presenter and self confessed adventurer, Ben Fogle, will be visiting the stand, he said: “I am delighted to be representing The Prince’s Trust at Chelsea. Burncoose’s Voyage of Discovery Garden is a fascinating insight into the adventurous spirit of people in the 18^th 19^th and 20^th century. 

“The Prince’s Trust works hard to inspire young people to take control, look to the future and be brave in taking their first step.  The messages in this garden really showcase the grit, sprit and determination we all have within us if we are passionate. It also shows the importance of conservation and managing our resources, something we can all learn from.”

This is the eighth year in which the Burncoose exhibition has been sponsored by Terra Firma, a unique private equity organisation who are also generous supporters of youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

Tim Pryce, Chief Executive of Terra Firma, said he was pleased to once again support The Prince’s Trust on the Burncoose Nurseries stand: “Terra Firma is committed to charitable work and is a proud supporter of The Prince’s Trust and the outstanding work it does.  The Chelsea Flower Show is a great place to raise the profile of the work of The Prince’s Trust by linking up with Burncoose Nurseries to showcase a topical issue in an innovate way.”

Burncoose has a strong track record of success at Chelsea, having won 20 of the coveted Gold medals and eight Silver Gilt medals over the past 25 years whilst exhibiting at the show. Most recently the Burncoose ‘Climate Change Garden’ won Gold in 2009.

Owner of Burncoose Nurseries, Charles Williams, said:  “Putting together what we hope will be another award winning exhibit is the result of almost a year of preparation by Burncoose’s dedicated show team.  Our theme this year pays tribute to the people that brought back so many wonderful plant species to the UK and in particular Cornwall.  The team has worked extremely hard to stick to the brief of using plants sourced on plant hunting missions, and highlighting those species which are now extinct or endangered in their native countries and in the wild in the U 

FACT FILE

 The Burncoose garden stand has been a regular at RHS Chelsea Flower Show for more than 25 years.  Burncoose has also exhibited at other RHS shows across the UK for many years.

Over the years Burncoose has been awarded more than 20 Gold medals and a number of silver gilt medals at Chelsea.  Most recently the Burncoose ‘Climate Change Garden’ won Gold in 2009. 

The nursery is part of the Caerhays Estate.  The Estate is managed by current owner, Charles Williams.

 Burncoose Nurseries has long been acknowledged as one of the UK’s largest and most respected providers of top quality plants by mail order.  Over the past four years the business has made the most of multi-media platforms and experienced substantial growth through their online ordering facility.  Burncoose now receive more than 80% of total plant orders through www.burncoose.co.uk.

Home to a National Magnolia Collection, Caerhays Castle has a long history of plant collecting and plant hunting missions.  Many plants were brought to the shores of Britain on expeditions commissioned by the Williams family.

The propagation and sale of Caerhays plants is undertaken through the sister garden and other estate property, Burncoose Nurseries.

 Details and images of Burncoose Nurseries can be obtained via the website www.burncoose.co.uk