County Kerry horticulturist Billy Alexander has secured his third gold medal at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London for his ambitious fern collection display.
Alexander, who owns Kells Bay Gardens, described himself as “speechless” and “over the moon” following this morning’s announcement by the judging panel. His exhibit, titled “Wilde Kells Bay Gardens,” is his most extensive to date, spanning 120 square metres and featuring over 100 species of ferns.
“It takes a huge amount of work to protect the plants, get them looking their best and to transport them safely all the way from Cahersiveen to Chelsea,” said Alexander, who explained the logistical challenges involved. “We loaded up the 40-foot trailer ten days ago in Kells Bay Gardens and drove it straight over to London, arriving 48 hours later.”
Despite complications from Brexit paperwork and rising costs, Alexander noted that the effort was “worth every minute” as it allows him to share his passion with others.
The gold medal represents the culmination of two years of planning and cultivation. Alexander’s display showcases not only ferns that thrive in the naturally temperate microclimate of the Ring of Kerry but also rare and exotic species from New Zealand, Australia, the Juan Fernandez Islands, Vietnam, Chile, and Japan. The gardener regularly travels to distant locations to meet with plant experts and source new specimens for his collection.
This latest achievement adds to Alexander’s impressive record at the Chelsea Flower Show. Last year, he received the Lawrence Medal, the highest honor awarded to an exhibitor. In 2023, he secured both a Gold medal and the “Best Exhibit in the Great Pavilion” award. He previously won Gold medals in 2021 at both the Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Garden Festival.
The Chelsea Flower Show opened today and runs until Saturday, May 24.