Silver lining for Cambridge exhibitors at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Interactive plant science exhibit Blooming Numbers won a prestigious silver-gilt medal as the University of Cambridge made a dazzling debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Presented by The Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University, the exhibit was part of a new GreenSTEM section celebrating cutting-edge research and innovation in the world of plant science.
The eye-catching exhibit was a collaborative effort across multiple Cambridge institutions and partners. The Department of Engineering co-designed the infrastructure, drawing inspiration from the Fibonacci sequence – an iconic numerical pattern found throughout nature in which each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers.
Blooming Numbers took visitors on an immersive journey through the latest discoveries in quantitative plant biology, starting with a flower before delving deep into molecular biology, genetics, imaging technologies, computational modelling, and the often-overlooked mathematical patterns that govern plant development.
“This award is just so exciting,” said Kathy Grube from the Sainsbury Laboratory. “We came in in the morning to water the plants and turn on the microscopes, and the medal had been laid out by the judges. We were jumping up and down when we found it.”
The Pollinator Patch was a lush highlight of the exhibit and was designed and cultivated by Oakington Garden Centre to demonstrate pollinator-friendly planting. Wildlife-friendly hanging baskets added by Darwin Nurseries captivated visitors and judges alike.
“One of our fellow exhibitors, who have been coming to Chelsea for years, told us that getting a silver-gilt on your first try is a real achievement,” said Kathy.
“The judges came over and said the design of the stand was fantastic, and they loved the interactive exhibits. We’re just so honoured.”
Cambridge-based company Polysolar was exhibiting agrovoltaics and solar power in horticulture in the GreenSTEM category, which shines a spotlight on innovation at the intersection of horticulture, science, and sustainability.
Polysolar showed how solar technology and horticulture can work hand-in-hand to shape a greener future – and it earned a silver medal from the RHS judges.
Polysolar’s glass has already been installed on a new carport to charge electric farm vehicles at Coton Orchard and the firm’s head of project development, Shiona Morrison, is a member of the conservation group Coton Loves Pollinators (CLP), which works to protect habitats for bees, butterflies and wildflowers across the village.
CLP members were at the Chelsea Flower Show in numbers and one member’s daughter had helped with the planting of The King’s Trust Garden, designed by Joe Perkins and inspired by the resilience of volcanic landscapes, which won gold. It will be relocated to a college in Uxbridge to continue inspiring young people.
