THERE was "royal" approval for a Cornish display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Dame Helen Mirren, who took the lead role in the 2006 film The Queen, visited the Burncoose garden as a Prince's Trust ambassador.
She said: "This is the second time I have visited the Burncoose Nurseries stand at Chelsea.
"I admire the concept of a traditional plantsman's garden, which is designed to show how spectacular Chelsea would have been 100 years ago and how this evolved into what we know today.
"This garden beautifully reflects the ethos of the Prince's Trust. The early exhibitors and the RHS must have taken a great leap of faith when it came to the very first event 100 years ago.
"I am sure there were moments when things could have gone wrong were it not for the commitment of those involved."
And it was not just Dame Helen's eye that Burncoose's display caught, the judges, too, were impressed awarding it a silver gilt medal.
Designed by Louisa Lazarowicz and Geraldine Hammond, the garden, which was supported by Terra Firma Capital Partners, was created to illustrate how a garden exhibit would have been seen in the early days of RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Focusing on planting styles, fountains and features, plants that appeal to wildlife pollinators and the latest species, introductions and hybrids, the garden stood out as a reminder of the early days of garden shows.
Owner Charles Williams said: "Our dedicated garden design team has worked tirelessly during the past 12 months to design and create a spectacular garden to showcase the true history and heritage of show gardens of the past and it is wonderful to be awarded a silver gilt medal.
"I'd like to thank the entire team for all their hard work in creating our Traditional Plantsman's Garden.
"I'd also like to thank Terra Firma for their continued support of Burncoose Nurseries."
Other Cornish entries to do well were Kelnan Plants, Gulval (gold); National Dahlia Collection, Penzance (gold); the SeeAbility Garden, Fowey (silver-gilt); Sophie Watton, Bleuhen Florist, Bude (bronze); Tregothnan (bronze); Trewidden Nursery, Penzance (gold).
