To celebrate the opening of the first May RHS Chelsea Flower Show since 2019 the RHS has announced the appointment of 10 new ambassadors including, for the first time ever, one dedicated to floristry and floral art and which will be represented by top florist Simon Lycett.
Commenting on his appointment Simon told The Florist; "I think it’s an incredible accolade to me personally, to my incredible team as well and to the brilliant British florists up and down the country who bring joy and beauty to people’s lives. It is deeply exciting that RHS recognise that floristry and floral design is as important as horticultural and garden design within RHS shows across the country. I look forward to working alongside the RHS to continue flying the flag for brilliant British florists.”
The ten new ambassadors are
Nicki Chapman: Popular presenter Nicki is a gardener who will help the RHS show you don’t have to be an expert to love gardens and growing plants.
Tayshan Hayden-Smith: Tayshan is designing his first garden at RHS Chelsea this year and will be an ambassador for young people and community gardening.
Jo Whiley: Jo will be an ambassador for keen gardeners who love to grow plants and help the RHS reach new audiences about the joy of gardening.
Arit Anderson: A much loved horticulturist who is passionate about the environment, Arit will be ambassador for the RHS Planet Friendly Gardening campaign and community gardening.
Manoj Malde: As ambassador for inclusivity, Manoj will help the RHS open its doors wider and be more accessible for all.
Simon Lycett. As one of the UK’s best known florist, Simon will be an ambassador for floral art and creativity in horticulture.
Mark Gregory: RHS Chelsea Veteran, Mark will be an ambassador for Landscapers to raise the profile of this important area of the Horticultural Industry
Sue Kent: At RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival this year, Sue will be an ambassador for inclusivity and share with the RHS ideas to be more inclusive for the disabled community
Kate Bradbury: As one of the UK’s best known and loved wildlife gardeners, Kate will be an ambassador for the RHS Planet Friendly Gardening Campaign
James Alexander-Sinclair: James will be an ambassador for Garden Design and share accessible and effective tips for everyone to make the best of their outside spaces
RHS President Keith Weed said: “It is exciting to be sharing such a fabulous line up as these Ambassadors today to join our current Ambassadors to help us spread our reach, share new ideas and get more people gardening and growing plants.”
The new ten RHS Ambassadors, join the current list of RHS Ambassadors who are:
Dame Mary Berry
Baroness Floella Benjamn
Alan Titchmarsh, MBE
Professor Nigal Dunnett
Carol Klein
Jamie Butterworth
James Wong
Jekka McVicar
Adam Frost
Nick Knowles
Chris Beardshaw
