November 2019 – Hillier has confirmed that it will be returning to the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2020, once again taking up its place in the Grand Pavilion to showcase its plants, trees and horticultural expertise.
The company has grand plans for the 2020 show and anticipation is already building. Full designs will be unveiled in the New Year, but for now, Hillier has revealed that the exhibit will celebrate the company’s more than 155-year history and achievements, as well as aiming for a 75th gold medal.
Whilst the design and celebratory plans are under wraps, Hillier has confirmed that Lilly Gomm will be designing the exhibit for the second time, following her Chelsea debut last year. She will be incorporating design elements that have never been used before in the Grand Pavilion, definitely making it the one to look out for. Work has already begun growing the thousands of plants needed with a dedicated Chelsea section and team at the company’s nurseries in Hampshire.
It has been a hugely successful year for Hillier in 2019, something which is sure to be celebrated at the show. The company has recently grown its retail division from 12 garden centres to 17, and reported its most lucrative year to date, achieving record turnover and profit.
The company hopes that its good fortune will continue, and that the 2020 show will be extra special as it could be the 75th consecutive gold medal that Hillier receives. Hillier currently holds the world record for having the most consecutive gold medals, making it the most successful exhibitor in the show’s history. This will also be the third year that Hillier’s exhibition will be sponsored by garden power tool manufacturer, STIHL.
Chris Francis, Retail and Wholesale Director, explains: “People don’t believe us when we say this each year but we absolutely never get complacent about receiving a gold medal at Chelsea. If anything the pressure mounts with each new gold we receive, and each one is more special than the last. I don’t think Edwin Hillier had any idea what he was starting all those years ago – a 75th gold medal would be an incredible achievement! However, we are not tempting fate or resting on our laurels. The pressure drives us to be better each year; so watch this space for what we have planned in 2020!”
Full plans will be revealed in due course. To be among the first to find out details, follow Hillier on social media for updates and exclusive behind the scenes sneak peeks.
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