Woodbridge nursery Katie’s Garden behind plants for Chelsea Flower Show winning Talitha Arts Garden as other Suffolk names win medals

A Suffolk nursery has grown the plants for a garden that has been crowned the best in a RHS Chelsea Flower Show category.

Katie's Garden nursery near Woodbridge was behind the plants in the Talitha Arts Garden at this week's show, which won a gold medal and was named the best in the All About Plants category.

First-time Chelsea garden designers Joe and Laura Carey, who own Carey Garden Design Studio in Hertfordshire, used plants from Katie’s Garden in their display, making it the first time the nursery had grown their plants for a Chelsea garden.

The Talitha Arts Garden includes light and dark planting which represents trauma and transformation, with 250 handmade porcelain butterflies created by Japanese ceramicist Naoko Tagai, as well as a large sculpted chrysalis made by Norfolk-based stone carver Teucer Wilson.

Susie Davis, founder, said: "The whole process of working with Joe and Laura from Carey Design Studio has been really enjoyable, although growing for Chelsea is a steep learning curve! We are thrilled the garden received a Gold medal, reflecting everyone's hard work and attention to detail - it's been a real boost for the team here."

The project was featured in BBC coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show and Katie’s Garden founder Susie Davis also appeared on ITV Anglia News talking about their role in growing many of the plants for the garden.

Chelsea flower show will run until Saturday May 27. The Talitha Arts Garden is located in the Great Pavilion.

There were more Suffolk success stories at this year’s show, as Bury St Edmunds garden designer Thomas Hoblyn was awarded a Silver Gilt medal for his entry which was sponsored by Boodles.

His British Craft Garden was inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite's and took the form of a woodland glade filled with perfect plants.

Risby Barns-based Hedgehog Plants also won a Silver Gilt medal for an exhibit of epimedium.

Ipswich-based seed firm Thompson and Morgan was also successful as the supplier of the top three prizes for Plant of the Year.

First place went to the ‘Black Jack’ Agapanthus, which was exhibited by Sparsholt College, with second and third places going to the euphoria pink hydrangea and the weigela camouflage.

A Thompson & Morgan UK spokesperson said: “We are delighted that the Agapanthus 'Black Jack' has been named RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2023!

“Agapanthus 'Black Jack' is a result of years of dedicated hybridised breeding by De Wet Plant Breeders, South Africa,” they added.