We have been awarded GOLD at this years Chelsea Flower Show.
2016 is the centenary of the Rhododendron Society and so we it will be the theme of our stand.
BBC Coverage of the 100 years of Rhododendron Society with Charles Williams at Caerhays 29th May 2016- Best Selling Plants at Chelsea Flower Show 2016 24th May 2016- Award Gold at Chelsea Flower Show 2016 24th May 2016 - Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group win Silver-Gilt at Chelsea 2016 19th May 2016 - Rhododendrons in full flower 16th May 2016 - Loading Rhododendrons Click to view our stand's inspirational plan
Along with other rhododendron growers exhibiting together at Chelsea and the RHS Rhododendron Group, the Burncoose Nurseries stand celebrates the centenary of the foundation of the Rhododendron Society at Lanarth in Cornwall in 1916.
Perhaps not surprisingly three of the great grandchildren of the four founding members of the Rhododendron Society are actively involved in staging the centenary displays: Charles Williams of Burncoose and Caerhays Castle gardens, David Millais of Millais Nurseries and Rupert Eley of East Bergholt.
The Rhododendron Society was formed to promote the knowledge and understanding of the growing of rhododendrons following the arrival of literally hundreds of new and unknown Chinese rhododendron species into the UK. The discovery and collection of seed from these wild species was the work of the great plant hunters Ernest Wilson (1876 – 1930) and George Forrest (1873 – 1932) whose expeditions were funded mainly by members of the Rhododendron Society.
Very few of the original plants from those Chinese species have actually lived long enough to become centurions. However the Burncoose stand does show some of these species and their subsequent hybrids which are still very widely enjoyed in British gardens. If Chinese rhododendrons had not been discovered and introduced our town and country gardens would look very different today.
The RHS Rhododendron Group will display on screen the results of a competition amongst its members to choose the most popular rhododendrons today These will be compared to those growing in 1916 and to those selected by members in 1966.
Read more on the Age of Rhododendrons at Caerhays