The garden industry has been paying its own tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her sad passing on Thursday.
James Barnes, chairman of the HTA, said: “It is with huge sadness that we learnt of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The HTA would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty for the immeasurable stability, dignity and prestige she has bestowed on this nation in so many ways and for so many years. For us in particular in the field of Horticulture. She was of course a hugely keen gardener and took special interest in the development of the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Balmoral and Sandringham. Her love of countryside unrivalled.
“Her attendance at Chelsea every year testament to that wider interest and support of the industry. The iconic planting of a tree so symbolic in so many of her duties and ceremonies. And just this year the huge take up of tree planting across the land to celebrate her platinum jubilee under the banner of the Queen’s Canopy.
“Many of our members have had or have the patronage of the Royal household through the Royal Warrant and will have had the pleasure and privilege that that honour bestows.
“She will be hugely missed not just in our country but across the world. Our thoughts and hearts are with all the Royal Family at this poignant time. God save the King.”
The garden centre industry has been paying its respects to HM The Queen through messages and the adoption of sombre images and colouring on its social media platforms. They thank her for her extraordinary service to the country and pass on condolences to the Royal Family, while others also recognise her support and love of gardening and plants.
Hillier Garden Centre’s, one of several companies within the horticultural sector to hold a Royal Warrant, thanked the Queen for her unstinting support through visits to its exhibits at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Some garden centres closed the day after the announcement of the Queen’s passing while others including the team at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, Brecon, created a Tree of Thanks display in its plantaria. The commemorative display will be added to by customers writing messages of thanks on cards and hanging them on the tree.
At Perrywood Tiptree a picture of The Queen displayed on an easel was surrounded by a bouquet of everlasting red, white and blue flowers and in Shiptonthorpe, Langlands Garden Centre is planning to plant a special rose and create a memorial display to express its appreciation and gratitude.
Royal Warrant holders, Vitax Ltd posted as above on their website.
Raemoir, the garden centre closest to Balmoral include the post above on their facebook page.
Glendoick Garden Centre, which may well be on the route the Queens coffin takes to Edinburgh today, posted: "Glendoick Garden Centre joins with people around the United Kingdom and the world in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth IIl. We offer sincere and deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time." along with this photo of the Queen and the now King Charles III tree planting.
Some retailers have taken the decision to close on the day of the funeral, Monday 19 September, whilst others have made decisions to limit their marketing activity during the period of mourning.
