A GARDEN nursery from Ruthin has won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show, the most prestigious flower and landscape garden show in the UK.

Dibleys Nursery, Ruthin, is renowned for their specialisation in growing a particular species of flower, the Streptocarpus, for which they have won a remarkable 29 gold medals in 30 years of participation at the annual Chelsea Flower Show, situated just off the River Thames in Central London.

The nursery's most recent addition was awarded on Tuesday, May 22 for a special arrangement of a huge collection of Streptocarpus.

Paul Johnson, commercial sales manager for Dibleys Nursery, said: “We’re very pleased with this year’s display as we decided on an arrangement that was a bit different, using over 40 different species of Streptocarpus, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its arrival in the UK.

“The team has been working hard over the last 12 to 18 months to ensure that the flowers are nurtured throughout and ready to bloom just before the show.”

Despite the nursery’s continued success, the team are not getting carried away. Mr Johnson said: “Every year needs to be better than the last. Every year there is more pressure and the standard is exceptionally high. There is no complacency.”

A team of five travelled to Chelsea with their Streptocarpus in two vans and a lorry on Wednesday, May 16 when they began arranging the display that spanned seven metres in diameter.

A mosaic of colours can be seen, including shades and double-colours of white, pink, blue, red and purple.

Part of the team was Lynne Dibley, owner of Dibleys Nursery and daughter of Rex Dibley, nursery founder in 1976. Ms Dibley said: “We’re delighted to receive this medal.

“We are experienced at Chelsea having taken part for 30 years, however we do not take it for granted.”

Dibleys Nursery has also displayed its work at Hampton Court, Harrogate, Malvern and Shrewsbury.

During the show, Dibleys’ display was aired on the BBC, who provided coverage of the event, and were interviewed by presenter and gardening expert Carol Klein.

Ms Dibley continued: “As well as taking part in the Chelsea Flower Show this is also an opportunity to gain some recognition for Dibleys Nursery and to talk to people about our species of Streptocarpus.”

Dibleys Nursery welcomes visitors to its centre, greenhouses, 12-acre arboretum and shop at Llanelidan, Ruthin.

For more information contact 01978 790677 or visit the website at www.dibleys.com