March 30, 2007

VICTORIA - The Butchart Gardens will be the first Canadian garden to exhibit at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show to be held from May 22 - 26, 2007 on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, England.

During May the grounds of the Royal Hospital are transformed into the fabulous show gardens, inspirational small gardens and vibrant horticultural displays making up the world's most famous flower show. The show is considered the first event of the summer season and showcases the finest examples of horticultural excellence, created by the best garden designers and plantspeople. It sets the latest gardening trends, is the favourite place to launch new plants, and features the newest and most desirable gardening products. The show is extensively covered on television by the BBC.

"Being an exhibitor at this show offers us the opportunity to reach upscale garden lovers and captains of industry, arts and show business who may be planning or considering trips to Canada," said Alison Partridge, director of public relations and marketing. "With the show's national and international media coverage, plus attendance by major UK and European tour operators, we look forward to promoting Victoria and ourselves as the place to visit in Canada"

The Royal Horticultural Society organizes the Chelsea Flower Show and has done so since its inception in 1852, when it was held in the Society's gardens in Kensington, London. The show moved to Chelsea in 1913 and its original name "The Royal Horticultural Society's Great Spring Show" was changed to its current name. Due to the capacity of the grounds attendance is limited to 157,000 visitors over its five day run each year. Public ticket prices vary from £40 to £17.50 depending on the ticket purchaser's chosen entry time.

The Royal Horticultural Society was founded in 1804 in London, England as the Horticultural Society of London, and gained its present name in a Royal Charter granted in 1861 by Prince Albert. It is a charity and exists to promote gardening and horticulture in Britain and Europe. This is done through a series of flower shows and through many model gardens that are open to the public. The society celebrated its bicentenary in 2004.

The Butchart Gardens was created in 1904 by Jennie Butchart out of her husband's worked-out limestone quarry site, welcoming over one million guests from around the world each year, and it has been designated a National Historic Site. The 22 hectare (55 acre) year round gardens are located 20 km (13 miles) north of the city of Victoria, British Columbia, on the Saanich Peninsula.

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Media Contact:
Graham Bell
Public Relations
Tel:(250)652-4422 x 344
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