Join the community
Want to hear about our latest projects, campaigns and events via email?
Nominate us for £1,000!
The Size of Wales garden, likely the most biodiverse in Chelsea Flower Show history, has won a gold medal!
With more than 313 different species of plants, this biodiverse garden was also judged to be the best in its category at the prestigious show. The number of species of plants reflects the number of different types of trees that can occur in a single hectare of tropical forest.
Garden designer Dan Bristow, from Bethesda, Gwynedd, said the win was a “dream come true” and he “couldn’t be happier”.
The win comes after an action-packed week of getting the message of acting now to ensure a future with forests across to attendees, celebrities and the media. The garden has been in the making for nearly 2 years.
It’s really special to be recognised because we took a risk with this design and went out on a limb to do something different.
I’m elated and exhausted in equal measure.
The garden itself was designed in the shape of Wales and featured some of the country’s rarest plants.
They include the Beacons hawkweed (Hieracium breconicola), which can only be found on a remote mountain ledge in the Bannau Brycheiniog national park, also known as the Brecon Beacons.
Meanwhile the Brecon dandelion (Taraxacum breconense) – once found across Monmouthshire and Powys – is also on the verge of extinction.
Size of Wales’ director Nicola Pulman said it was a “great honour” to be part of the event.
Size of Wales works to protect an area of tropical forests at least the Size of Wales and grow millions of trees.
After its stint in the spotlight at Chelsea, the entire garden will be moved to Bangor University’s Treborth Botanic Garden on Friday 12 July, 10:30-12:30.
Donate now to secure a future with forests