NEWS
ASHFORD GOLD AT RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
Fortune favours the brave and that was certainly the case for Ashford plantsman Paul Harris at this year ’ s RHS Chelsea Flower Show . Not only did he win his eighth consecutive gold medal but he pulled off a coup at the world-famous show .
After many years of negotiation with the Royal Horticultural Society ( RHS ) he became the first exhibitor to be allowed to include livestock , on this occasion koi carp , on his exhibition stand in the Great Pavilion . Paul ’ s pond , complete with redpainted Japanese-style bridge , contained koi carp from Clearwater Koi , of Ashford , who partnered with Paul to bring their expertise to the world ’ s greatest flower show .
The plantsman ’ s achievements did not stop there . This was Paul ’ s largest exhibit at the show and he also included bonsai trees among his usual specialist display of hostas , combining his interest in all things eastern .
WINNING TEAM : DARAN WOOD , MATTHEW BALL , PAUL HARRIS AND JOANNA NEWBOLD
It was nearly 15 years ago that Paul set up Brookfield Plants , in Sandyhurst Lane , Ashford , specialising in hostas , but it was not until four years ago he became interested in bonsai trees , though he explains they are called Yamadori , trees collected from the wild .
Today , he has around 300 specimens which take 10 years to fully develop . Paul , who has ‘ always had an affinity with nature and wildlife ’, collected his native trees while volunteering to clear shrub from Wye National Nature Reserve .
Paul is a regular medal winner at other RHS shows and will be at the Hampton Court Garden Festival , which runs from 4 - 9 July .
NEW VWell STUDIO OPENS IN HYTHE
VWell has officially opened in Theatre Street , Hythe , bringing a much-needed wellness haven to the town . Aiming to fill a significant void in the local community VWell offers a diverse range of classes and services encompassing pilates , fitness , yoga and holistics .
Commenting on the opening , founder Victoria , an advanced Pilates instructor with years of experience in the fitness and wellbeing industry , said : “ I was determined to create a space where people of all ages and fitness levels can come together to improve their health and wellbeing in a supportive and inclusive environment . When the opportunity arose in Hythe , I took on the challenge of transforming a dilapidated commercial space into a high-spec , fully equipped and peaceful studio that welcomes all members of the local community .
“ With no other studios like it in the area , I ’ m confident that it will quickly become a hub for health and wellness , and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the local community and beyond .”
SPECTACULAR STITCHING AT ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL
From 29 July to 3 September , Rochester Cathedral will be playing host to Threads through Creation , a breathtaking exhibition of twelve enormous embroidered silk panels that explore the story of Creation .
Inspired by the first pages of the bible , textile artist Jacqui Parkinson reimagines an amazing story in astonishing colours across huge panels – measuring in parts as large as 4m wide – with more than eight million stitches !
Commenting on the work , Jacqui said : “ It ’ s a pleasure to be in Rochester Cathedral , such a wonderful building – where I hope to add a little extra wonder ! Creation is a great story : the panels will add a sparkle to everyone ’ s visit .”
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