From green to gold: Ireland’s master gardener announces “most ambitious plan to date” for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
Billy Alexander’s award-winning rare collection of Kells Bay ferns to be a central feature at the prestigious London flower show
Ireland’s Master Gardener, Billy Alexander of Kells Bay Gardens in Co. Kerry has announced his most ambitious plan to date for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show as organisers agree to showcase his rare ferns in a prime position at the 2023 event. Building on this year’s success, where Alexander was awarded Gold medals at both the RHS Chelsea Flower show and the RHS Hampton Court Palace for his rare ground and tree fern display, Billy’s ambition is to secure another gold medal in 2023.
Worth their weight in gold
Billy’s displays showcase the uniqueness, diversity and beauty of world fern species, all of which grow naturally in the idyllic microclimate at Kells Bay Gardens overlooking the Dingle Peninsula.
Demonstrating the respect which organisers have for the Kerry-based gardener, Kells Bay Gardens will be positioned in a central area in the Great Pavilion in May 2023. The 2021 Kells Bay exhibit wowed judges, with Jon Wheatley, senior RHS Judge commenting,: “Probably the most outstanding exhibit of ferns I have ever seen at any Chelsea show, the range and quality of Billy’s plants is quite exceptional- he is a credit to his country”
For 2023, inspiration once more comes from the local environment. The design will simulate a Kerry bog, and along with a myriad of fern varieties, native sphagnum moss will feature amidst small peaty bog pools. Offsetting this, will be large ancient rocks typical of the Iveragh peninsula landscape in Co. Kerry.
Sponsorship Opportunity
In order to bring his vision to life, Billy is seeking corporate sponsorship for this year’s exhibition. He believes that this is a unique brand opportunity to partner with Kells Bay Gardens, providing exposure to the 157,000 annual attendees of the show that are predominantly of an ABC1 demographic. Outside of horticultural shows, ferns from Alexander’s collection are held in high esteem and can even be found in the grounds of royalty – including King Charles’ private place of residence Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, UK.
Speaking about the 2023 display, Billy Alexander, Kells Bay Gardens said, “Without a doubt, the 2023 collection will be our most ambitious plan to date. I intend to increase fern numbers, the range of sizes and include a greater variety of species. While this level of complexity is not without challenges, it will allow us to display additional ferns of individual species in various stages of their lives from sporlings to fully mature specimens – it will be a real visual delight!
I am confident that Chelsea 2023 represents an excellent opportunity to achieve the high-impact brand awareness associated with successful participation at this major event, and I am looking to partner with an established Irish brand to further build on past success”
Chelsea Flower Show 2023
The Chelsea Flower Show is co-ordinated by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the UK’s leading gardening charity and will take place from Monday 22nd – Saturday 27th May 2023. As with previous years, it will feature cutting-edge design and striking floral displays.
Kells Bay Gardens
Kells Bay Gardens are situated beside one of Ireland’s most spectacular settings, overlooking the Dingle Bay. They are known locally as the ‘Jewel on the Ring’ and stretch to just over seventeen hectares, which contain a collection of sub-tropical plants. The centrepiece of the gardens is the extensive tree fern collection, many of which date back to the mid-19th century after being brought over from Australia. The plants have adapted well due to the idyllic microclimate offered in the sunny south-west of Ireland.
For more information visit kellsbay.ie