The launch of the new David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) Phalaenopsis Orchid Collection has raised £1,000 for students at the HTA National Plant Show.

DCF and Garden Centre Fresh (GCF), the orchid supplier, worked together to promote the collection at the show held at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.

Jessica Laurent, ex-horticulture student at Writtle College who was part of the orchid selection team,and DCF trustee Nigel Wait, from Barnsfold Nurseries, were also part of the show team.   

Visitors could take an orchid home for a donation with the funds going directly towards scholarships for students studying horticulture in the UK.

As well as raising enough money to provide a £1,000 scholarship, the collection which offers a distinctive fusion of summer colours and striking markings was very well received by retailers.  

The Blue Diamond Group was the first to sign up to stock the collection. James Nuttall says: “We are pleased to be able to support this project and will be stocking the DCF collection in our centres. Blue Diamond strongly believes in supporting young students in horticulture and by supporting projects like this we can play a part in raising the standards in our industry."

Van Hage will also be taking the collection. John Morgan says: “We need to bring ‘young blood’ into our industry, buy stocking the collection Van Hage can play its part in supporting young horticulturists."   

Following the successful launch at the show the collection has also been sold into Southdown’s Nurseries, Stratford Garden Centre and Orchard Park among others.  

Nigel Wait, DCF Trustee says: “We are delighted at how well the DCF Orchid Collection was received by retailers at the show. We have already raised enough money to support a student on their horticultural journey just from the show and are excited to see the collection’s progress in store - with every sale we can offer more support to students."  

For retail information on the orchid collection contact Brian Redman, Garden Centre Group Specialist at GCF, at brian@gardencentrefresh.co.uk or on 07931 464 008.   For more details on The David Colegrave Foundation visit www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk.