Heroines of HORTICULTURE

This year at the Chelsea Flower Show, women took centre stage in the Great Pavilion.

- Gillian O'Donoghue

The Monument, designed by acclaimed designer, Pollyanna Wilkinson, stood as a dedicated installation honouring eight of the many heroines of horticulture who defied the odds to lead the way, thus narrowing the gap of inequality in the profession. The huge plinths supported hand-drawn portraits of these powerful women while a shepherd’s hut stands as a gathering space, surrounded by a series of large curved woven planters, filled with a mix of rare plants. Interestingly, this year marked a notable shift at RHS Chelsea as more women designers competed for medals than ever before. Although men still dominated on Main Avenue, it was a significant step towards greater gender parity. This is the first in a series of trail-blazing women, selected by RHS Chelsea, who have made their mark globally in the horticultural industry.

Marianne North 1830 – 1890 

PLANT HUNTER AND PAINTER