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Countdown to Chelsea

Posted on Sunday 15th May 2016
Nursery owner John Massey VMH in his hepatica greenhouse

The countdown to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has begun and the tension is building at Ashwood as we prepare for our hepatica exhibit in the Great Pavilion:  these exquisite Spring-flowering herbaceous plants are making their debut this year, the first time they have ever been shown as a single exhibit at Chelsea.

This has generated considerable media interest and we’re delighted that both national and local TV and radio are hoping to feature Ashwood. During the BBC Chelsea Flower Show coverage there will be a re-run of Rachel de Thame’s visit in 2013 plus a visit to our stand in the Great Pavilion. Prior to that, BBC Midlands Today will feature us on Monday May 23rd at 6.30pm.

Hepatica flowers awaken from their slumbers

Hepatica flowers awaken from their slumbers

Nursery owner John Massey VMH says “I’ve always dreamt of exhibiting hepaticas at Chelsea…I really want to show everyone the charm, beauty and diversity of their flowers and foliage.”  All 12 species of hepatica will be showcased together with a range of inter-species hybrids that include some of John’s own exciting introductions. The more flamboyant and highly prized Japanese selections will also be represented.

With the help of retired Ashwood plant breeder Philip Baulk and top garden designer Rupert Golby, he is aiming to evoke the natural habitat of hepaticas by creating a semi-woodland landscape using tree stumps, dwarf Japanese cherries and dwarf shrubby willows.

John is one of the UK’s leading experts on hepaticas: he has his own private plant collection and has travelled to Kyrgyzistan, China, Japan, Korea, North America and Europe to see them in the wild. He has achieved an impressive record of Gold Medals, awards and trophies for hepatica exhibits at RHS London Flower Shows as well as being honoured by the Alpine Garden Society for his work with the genus.

The logistical nightmare of exhibiting at Chelsea is now in place: transport, passes and permits have been organised and accommodation has been booked. ‘Team Ashwood’ will soon be mobilised, helping to prepare and transport the plants and materials as well as building the exhibit and ‘manning the stand’ throughout the show. Back at the nursery, we will be bracing ourselves for the onslaught of enquiries and orders.

However the most testing part is yet to come as the hepaticas are now being woken from their dark winter slumbers in the cold store and brought out into the dazzling glare of late Spring. Quite how they will react still remains to be seen but, fingers crossed, these delicate beauties will rise to the challenge and put on a spectacular show for Chelsea.

Read more on this story

Read more about growing hepaticas

Visiting RHS Chelsea Flower Show May 24th – 28th? Don’t miss our stand GPD/168 in the Great Pavillion.

The delicate beauty of Hepatica maxima

The delicate beauty of Hepatica maxima

Hepatica leaves unfurling

Hepatica leaves slowly unfurling

 

 

Barbara Cartwright