Chris Beardshaw
2017 - Today
Your Guild was delighted to welcome Chris Beardshaw to our annual Kew Dinner in May when our President made this presentation in recognition of his considerable contribution to ‘all things horticultural’, ranging from the sciences to the arts and essential practical craft skills.
As a landscape designer Chris has been responsible for many attractive planting schemes including the RNLI commemorative feature at the National War Memorial at Alrewas (Staffs) along with many imaginative award winning plantings that have supported important charities at RHS Chelsea. Along with many contributions to radio and television he perhaps is best known as ‘the Helicopter Gardener’ as he ‘dropped in’ to view many top ranking UK garden landscapes.
All of the UK’s major horticultural events have benefitted from his expertise, often adding an appealing and captivating touch of humour along the way. Chris uses his natural skills to encourage any age group seeking to pursue an interest in growing plants whether it be for colourfial amenity planting, productive cropping or the natural landscape.
In making a Kew Guild Award to Chris Beardshaw this new link with Kew will serve to reinforce the importance of plants for our very survival - a message that must be heard increasingly today. We live in an age when it appears that so many, especially young people, often seem far removed from the real world of plants and their essential benefit in our environment and in conservation. We know that in Chris we have a strong campaigner who will continue to reawaken an appreciation of the value of plants in learning but also for the pure enjoyment of the wider community.