Behind the Scenes at Chelsea Flower Show: A Nurserywoman’s Journey

The Cornwall Garden Society (CGS) is hosting two December lectures featuring Stella Exley, an independent nurserywoman with a wealth of horticultural knowledge and accolades. Stella, who runs Hare Spring Cottage Plants in the South Hams, will offer a fascinating glimpse into her experiences growing plants for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show and working with award-winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw.

From Childhood Inspiration to Chelsea Gold

Stella’s passion for plants blossomed at an early age, inspired by her grandfather’s chrysanthemum allotment and her parents’ vibrant family garden. These formative experiences set her on a path that now includes holding three National Plant Collections® – camassia, sidalcea, and uvularia – and earning multiple RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals.

Her journey from nurturing plants in her North Yorkshire nursery to growing blooms for one of the most prestigious gardening events in the world will be explored in her talk, Camassia, Chris, Chelsea and Chaos. This lecture takes place on Tuesday, 10th December at 7.30pm at The Alverton in Truro.

On Wednesday, 11th December at 2.30pm at Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth, Stella will delve into her lifelong dedication to plants in her second lecture, All I Ever Wanted to Do is Grow Plants.

Bringing Horticulture to Life

These free lectures are part of CGS’s mission to share the art and science of gardening, with donations welcomed from non-members. The Society, affiliated with The Royal Horticultural Society and The Gardens Trust, works to preserve Cornwall’s rich garden heritage while promoting good gardening principles and conservation efforts.

For those inspired to learn more or become a member of the CGS, visit www.cornwallgardensociety.org.uk/join/. You can also stay updated by following @CornwallGardenSociety on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Stella’s light-hearted take on the “chaos that is Chelsea” and her unique insights into life as a nurserywoman.