On what was claimed to be the hottest day in London in 9 years, the sun was certainly shining on the Rotary Club of Shepperton and Sunbury as they were awarded a silver medal for their “Through the generations” garden, which they are currently exhibiting at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.
It is the first time these 3m x 3m flower boxes have been included at the show and it is also the first time Rotary have entered an exhibit. The garden was designed by Jacqueline Stanton who is a member of Shepperton and Sunbury and the flowers included were chosen to represent the different generations. A couple of the flowers that were planted in the box were tiny pink Rosa Glauca, which symbolised newborn babies and the Ginkgo Biloba, which dates back to prehistoric times and so symbolises those at the top of the family tree.
Jacqueline is also the founder of Jacqueline’s Garden, a ‘Not-for-Profit’ organisation which promotes gardening for local children and helps to build bespoke gardens for people with disabilities. One of Rotary’s special guests at the show was Stephanie Frost, a 20 something young lady who suffers from a heart muscle disease called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which leaves her unable to walk more than a few yards. Despite her setbacks in life, Stephanie has a lively infectious personality and Jaqueline’s organisation is working hard to build her a garden that she can zoom around in her wheelchair.
Richard Black, one of the lead organisers of the exhibit commented, “It is an incredible achievement to have been awarded a silver medal at such a prestigious show and many congratulations should go to Jacqueline.
“The Flower Box has been entered not only to demonstrate the great work both Jacqui and Rotary do but to attract new members and supporters. Being part of Rotary involves more than just giving something back to the community; it’s about individuals personally helping our activities to flourish, as well as making some great friends along the way!”
If you want to view the award winning flower box you can head down to the RHS Hampton Court Show until the 5th July 2015, where you will find the Rotary stand just outside of the Floral Marquee.
