First RHS Chelsea Flower Show product award based on sustainability
The first RHS Chelsea Sustainable Garden Product of the Year Award shortlist has been announced in the run-up to Virtual Chelsea (May 17-21). Update: I’m glad to say the winner is Ocean Plastic Pots!
As part of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show sponsored by M&G, the Garden Product of the Year Competition will focus on entrants’ green credentials and sustainability. The 10 products will be judged for their carbon footprint, environmental best practice, durability, biodegradability, recyclability, design, functionality and quality.
Despite the postponement of the Chelsea Flower Show to September, the competition is taking place at the show’s usual time. The winner will be announced during the RHS Virtual Chelsea Flower Show. Shortlisted products will be on display in the Great Pavilion at the September show. For more on last year’s finalists, see my RHS Chelsea Product of the Year report 2020. Read more about the new RHS President and his focus on climate change.
Sustainable practices
Judging panel chairman Chris Harrop OBE said: “This year’s shortlist shows that manufacturers are bringing to market sustainable new products that address the challenges that are facing us all; climate change, plastics and pollution and the need to ensure that products are ethically sourced whilst still allowing consumers to enjoy their love of gardening in all its forms.”
Katherine Potsides, head of RHS Shows Development, added: “After 10 successful years, we felt now was the time to turn the focus to sustainability to help promote eco-friendly and ethical consumerism. We received some really fantastic and innovative entries into this year’s competition. The huge variety of products entered demonstrates the desire across the industry to become more environmentally friendly.”
RHS Chelsea Sustainable Garden Product of the Year shortlist 2021
And the winner is… Ocean Plastic Pots!
Plant pots made from discarded rope and fishing net. Manufactured in the UK, they’ve developed a circular economy product that raises awareness of the ocean plastic problem. Price £15, www.oceanplasticpots.com
DuraOcean® Chair by Distinctive Garden
The UK’s first commercially available chair made exclusively from 3.5 kg of recycled ocean plastic waste, including fishing nets and ropes. From £179, www.distinctivegarden.co.uk
Woodland Low Oval Table by Gaze Burvill
Inspired by the sweet chestnut tree, this table takes its template from nature. Each piece is as unique as the tree that it came from. Crafted in the UK. Price £5,250, www.gazeburvill.com
Wool Compost with Comfrey by Dalefoot Composts
The peat-free range now has a trio of performance-packed natural ingredients: comfrey, bracken and sheep’s wool sourced in the UK. Addressing the serious issues of peat in the horticultural industry, it offers gardeners a sustainable option to their growing. Price £10.99, www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk
Compost Loo by Green Oak
The easily moved pine frame offers an alternative to public loos, an environmentally friendly option for allotments and community gardens. Price £4,900, www.greenoakfurniture.co.uk
PlantBox
This is a modular and stackable vertical garden system, made from 100 per cent recycled materials, in Norfolk. Manage water usage with the integrated reservoir and a trough. Take the system with you when you move! Price £60, www.biotecture.uk.com/bioextra/plantbox/
Husqvarna Automower 405X by Platts Horticulture
High-performance, yet easy-to-use robotic lawnmower suited for smaller lawns, handling both narrow areas and slopes up to 40 per cent with perfect results. Robotic lawnmower from Platts Horticulture produces zero emissions. Price £1,699, www.plattshorticulture.co.uk
Maintenance Kit by Sneeboer Trading BV
This kit keeps quality hand-forged stainless-steel tools in perfect condition, no matter the soil types and conditions. Price £63.60, www.sneeboer.co.uk
Twool Naked by Twool
This naturally coloured British wool garden twine has the strength of garden twine and blends in with plants. Price £6.50, www.twool.co.uk
New Vegebag by Vegepod UK
Last year’s winner, Vegepod, returns with a new Vegebag. The new bag has a more sustainable design with a new wicking bed and water reservoir to reduce wastage. More durable materials are used, and packaging is now fully recyclable cardboard. Price £49, www.vegepod.co.uk.
