After nearly 100 years as an exhibitor with 74 consecutive gold medals, Hillier Nurseries is bidding a fond farewell to the 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Hillier was due to exhibit in 2020, celebrating the company’s 155-year history and hoping for a 75th gold with its exhibit in the Grand Pavilion.

With the show unfortunately and understandably postponed until September 2021 as a consequence of COVID-19, Hillier has taken the difficult decision not to exhibit. 

“Chelsea has always been a significant event on the Hillier calendar, held at the perfect time for the business to show off all of the great plants grown on our nursery through the spring.  The unprecedented events of 2020 have been followed by the later timing of the show in 2021, which leaves too small a plant range available on our nurseries to achieve the high standard of exhibit Hillier has become known for. With this in mind, it was the right time for the business to concentrate on other exciting ventures for spring 2021,” explains Chris Francis, Wholesale and Retail Director.

Following the surge in demand for plants and garden items online, Hillier will launch a transformed Online Shop in March this year, taking quality Hillier plants safely to the doors of customers all over the UK.

In April, Hillier will also open the doors of its 18th Garden Centre as the transformation of Syon Park, in West London is completed. Before establishing Hillier Nurseries, company founder Edwin Hillier spent time working on the Syon Park estate, honing his passion for plants. This combination of company heritage, along with creating a top-quality destination experience, makes the addition of Syon Park to the Hillier family particularly exciting.

Hillier Nurseries has a remarkable history with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show stretching back almost to the origins of the show itself. Starting in 1939 and ending in 2019, Hillier has achieved 74 consecutive gold medals at the show, making the company the current record holder.

“RHS Chelsea Flower Show will always be incredibly special for us,” comments Chris Francis. “We wish everyone working hard to put together this year’s show the very best and look forward to being inspired by the exhibits later this year.”