RHS – Chelsea What We Did There?

A journey into the unknown this year with our first exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Venturing forth in May we found ourselves in the belly of the white whale that is the Great Pavilion. But how did we get here? Allow me to rewind to the day, a mere six weeks previous, when we took up the flattering but challenging offer to exhibit.

It was the enthusiasm of the RHS science department for our systems that led to our late, wildcard entry. Nestled as we were in the Discovery Zone we settled on a concept that focused attention on living conditions within refugee camps and semi-permanent settlements around the world. Our exhibit, named ‘Plant. Grow. Survive’, sought to demonstrate how refugees and displaced persons can be empowered to grow their own food whilst in temporary shelter.

We met a really remarkable cross section of people many of whom who are in a position to affect big changes in the way horticulture happens around the world. It was also a great opportunity to get everyone at AutoPot involved. Our entire staff each took a turn at exhibiting and experiencing the unique RHS Chelsea atmos’. It is busy but never rushed, its is huge but also intimate, metropolitan but pastoral, both hot and yet extremely hot. Ultimately we returned bronzed – and not just by the gorgeous weather! Our exhibit received the wonderful accolade of a bronze medal, quite an achievement first time out.