Nurserywoman Shares Behind-the-Scenes Plant Growing for 'the Chaos that is Chelsea'

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 05:00

The Cornwall Garden Society’s (CGS) December lectures will be delivered by Stella Exley, an independent hardy plant nurserywoman who runs Hare Spring Cottage Plants, which was established in North Yorkshire but is now located within the rolling Devonshire countryside of the South Hams.

From a very early age, Stella was smitten with the beauty of plants. Her grandfather grew chrysanthemums on his allotment, and the texture, shape and vibrant colours mesmerised her inquisitive mind. Her father always kept colourful flowers in their small family garden, which her mother taught her to deadhead to encourage further blooms. These happy childhood memories inspired Stella’s journey.

Today, she regularly exhibits in floral marquees at major horticultural shows and is the proud holder of three National Plant Collections® – camassia, sidalcea and uvularia – and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show gold medals.

Stella will provide a light-hearted behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to grow plants for well-known, multi-award-winning garden designer, Chris Beardshaw, for the chaos that is Chelsea, as well as her life as a nurserywoman.

Camassia, Chris, Chelsea and Chaos will be Stella’s subject on Tuesday 10th December at 7.30pm at The Alverton in Truro and All I Ever Wanted to Do is Grow Plants will be her theme on Wednesday 11th December at 2.30pm at Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth.

These lectures are free for CGS members. Non-members are welcome to attend to find out more about the Society and donations are gratefully received.

The Cornwall Garden Society is a charity that exists to encourage and improve the science, art and practice of horticulture in all its branches; share knowledge about good gardening principles and Cornwall’s rich garden heritage, and promote, conserve, protect and study the natural environment, historic gardens and designed landscapes in Cornwall. The Society is affiliated to The Royal Horticultural Society and The Gardens Trust.

To become a member of the CGS, please visit www.cornwallgardensociety.org.uk/join/

You can also follow @CornwallGardenSociety on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.