Major award boost for Greenfield-based company

Greenfield-based Hartley Botanic won RHS’ prestigious ‘Best Tradestand’ award at the 2023 RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.

The 'Feel Good' tradestand impressed judges with its captivating display of four beautiful, handmade greenhouses, highlighting the well-being benefits of 'grow your own'.

The tradestand, which was designed, built, and planted by garden landscaping firm, Base Squared, also received the 5* award accolade.

At the heart of the 'Feel Good' tradestand are four handcrafted greenhouses - the Opus Botanic Glasshouse, Victorian Villa Glasshouse, Victorian Chelsea Glasshouse, and Wisley 8 Grow and Store Greenhouse.

Each structure has been thoughtfully planted with a wide array of edible crops, demonstrating the pleasure of watching fruits and vegetables emerge from seed and the nutritional advantages of cultivating one's own produce.

RHS judges assessed the styling and planting of the greenhouses which feature a variety of melons, tomatoes, corn, purple sprouting broccoli, courgettes, and tender herbs like basil.

Additionally, several salad varieties adorn the display, complemented by bedding plants such as petunias and marigolds.

The greenhouses illustrate their practical, primary function as incredible growing spaces, but also suggest their additional benefit as outdoor spaces for relaxing amongst plants, with serene seating areas.

To maintain the 'Feel Good' theme, the external planting utilised a calming, muted colour palette of purples and whites, accentuated by scented lavender and tall verbena bonariensis.

The incorporation of grasses added a soothing element to the overall ambience, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility.

Tom Barry, CEO of Hartley Botanic, expressed his delight at winning the award.

He said: "We are incredibly proud to receive the 'Best Tradestand' recognition at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show 2023.

"The show is particularly important for us, as it attracts the really passionate and knowledgeable gardener – those customers who will see the full potential of owning a Hartley Botanic greenhouse.

"The 'Feel Good' theme embodies a passionate ambition to empower customers to experience the joy of growing their own fresh produce firsthand.

"Our commitment and efforts have been recognised by this award.”

Hartley Botanic was founded in 1938 by brothers Vincent (RHS fellow) and Norman Hartley.

The local manufacturer is an authority on greenhouse design and use over the decades, having been making its beautiful and elegant handmade, made-to-order horticultural buildings for 85 years from its original factory at the base of the dramatic Pennines’ Chew Valley.

It has become synonymous for crafting the finest greenhouses money can buy through the very highest standards of hard-won experience, craftsmanship and service.

A hugely respected brand within the horticultural world, it is the manufacturer of choice for leading organisations, institutions and designers with Hartley Botanic structures commissioned by the RHS, the National Trust, Kew Gardens, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Massachusetts Horticultural Society and Oxford Botanical Gardens...to name a few.

Its entire product range is endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society.

All Hartley Botanic’s glasshouses and greenhouses are handmade, bespoke, and made to order.

Customers interested in purchasing a Hartley Botanic greenhouse should visit: http://www.hartley-botanic.co.uk

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