Frank P Matthews Trees has been awarded a prestigious Gold Medal at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a significant achievement following last year’s Silver-Gilt award.
The award-winning exhibit celebrated the beauty and diversity of the Malus Genus, with more than 50 trees displayed in full bloom. The collection showcased both established and new varieties, including several specimen trees developed through ongoing propagation work at the nursery.
The choice of Malus was inspired by Director Nick Dunn and his passion for the Genus. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, Nick undertook a project grafting a wide range of Malus varieties into different forms, helping to shape the inspiration behind this year’s Chelsea exhibit.
Alongside the Malus display, the stand also featured Frank P Matthews’ specialist range of trained specimen fruit trees. As one of the few nurseries in the UK producing these highly skilled forms, and home to one of the country’s largest collections, the exhibit demonstrated the craftsmanship and expertise that has become synonymous with the business.
Commenting on the award, Steph Dunn James, of Frank P Matthews Tree said: “This is only our second year at Chelsea, so to achieve a Gold Medal is a real testament to the dedication, passion and skill of our team back in Tenbury Wells. It has been wonderful to see such enthusiasm from visitors to our curated display of Malus trees, which is an expression of what we do best.”
This year, the Frank P Matthews stand was proudly sponsored by Lombard Odier, the global wealth and asset manager whose values closely align with those of the family-run nursery. Their support helped bring the exhibit to life at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, enabling visitors from around the world to experience and appreciate the beauty and importance of trees.
The Gold Medal adds to Frank P Matthews’ long history of industry recognition and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, quality and horticultural excellence. This year’s success is especially significant as Frank P Matthews Trees celebrates 125 years in business. The fourth-generation family-run nursery continues to champion British-grown trees, horticultural innovation and traditional craftsmanship.
