National Santolina Collection Holders, win RHS Silver Gilt medal at their very first RHS Show

Botanica Plant Collections based in Campsea Ashe near Wickham Market are delighted to announce that they have won silver gilt for their National Santolina Collection display at RHS Hampton Court this week.

Nursery Manager Jess Dighton and her team have worked hard over the last few months to design and develop her stand for the show. Apprehensive to begin with, she was heartened by the feedback from show veterans and Plant Heritage as she set up her stand for the judges to cast their critical eyes over.

Her efforts paid off and she was just short of the top Gold medal, but very proud to be awarded Silver Gilt.

She said afterwards “It’s a fantastic reward for all our hard work and recognition for Botanica on the national stage.”

Jess has been greeted with tremendous interest and attracted the attention of BBC Gardeners World. She was filmed on Wednesday 2^nd July, with a clip to be aired on BBC 2 at 8.00 on Friday 4^th July.

After the Hampton Court stand is deconstructed, the prize winning display will be continued at its permanent home at the nursery at Campsea Ashe at Botanica’s Santolina open week w/c 7^th July.

Visitors are welcome to view and buy their own plants to take home. Santolinas make a vibrant display with their attractive silver and green foliage along with masses of button sized flowers which range in colour from lovely creamy white to bright vivid yellow. They are an ideal plant for dry and sunny conditions and well suited to our ever warmer climate.