Johnstown Garden Centre

Press Release: 11 October 2010

It’s official: Britain grows best

Hillier Nurseries named ‘International Grower of the Year 2010’

Horticultural legends, Hillier Nurseries of Hampshire, have beaten the best growers in the world to win the coveted title of “International Grower of the Year” and the Golden Rose award at a ceremony in Korea.

With a record-breaking 65 consecutive RHS Chelsea Gold medals to their name, and 250 hectares in Liss and Braishfield dedicated to tree and shrub production, Hillier have shown the world that Britain grows best. Home to many of the world’s greatest gardens, Britain is now officially home to world’s greatest plant nursery.

Hillier Nurseries was put forward by the NFU to represent the UK against a shortlist of the world’s top growers from China, Belgium, Holland and Korea upon winning the UK industry’s award ‘Grower of the Year 2010’.

The Chairman of the jury, AIPH President Mr Doeke Faber praised Hillier for its outstanding track record in innovation, sustainable production, marketing initiatives and product excellence. Mr Faber singled out Hillier’s contracts to supply trees to the Commonwealth Games, the Millennium Dome and most recently to the Olympic Parks in London 2012 for particular mention.

Hossein Arshadi, Director of the Hillier Trees division, was in Korea to receive the award from the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). “This is the culmination of a great year of achievement for Hillier in a difficult economic climate,” said Hossein. “Hillier is now officially the best grower in the world, which is a real testament not only to the quality of the Hillier offer, but to the strength of UK horticulture.”

“We are extremely proud to have been awarded “International Grower of the Year”,” said Robert Hillier VMH OBE, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries. “It is a great honour and a tremendous recognition of the professionalism and dedication of the team at Hillier Nurseries.”

Notes to Editors

Founded 146 years ago, Hillier Nurseries remain a family owned company, where quality and value for money are paramount. The business operates in three markets: Wholesale Trees, Wholesale Shrubs and Retail Garden centres with 14 garden centres and two Cash and Carry outlets. Hillier have won Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show every year since World War Two; have raised or selected over 100 new plant varieties; including the award-winning Streetwise range of trees; and still grow all their plants in Hampshire, where the company was founded.

The International Grower of the Year competition is organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and FloraCulture International, the leading magazine for the horticultural sector. The event is financially supported by the Dutch Board for Horticulture.