Bug hotels made by Grow go to Chelsea Flower Show

A Guernsey charity is due to showcase work at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this weekend, in partnership with a Cornwall-based nursery.

Grow Ltd, which helps adults with learning difficulties, plans to showcase two large-scale wooden bug hotels made in its workshop and to be exhibited on the national stage as part of a display by Burncoose Nurseries.

Grow Ltd crew members Alex Adamson and Alex Houchard are due to represent the charity after helping with the final build, project staff said.

The theme of the Grow display was Over the Garden Hedge, reflecting collaborations across the water between Guernsey and the Cornish mainland, they added.

Adamson said: "It's so good that the bug hotels are going to be there [at Chelsea] to show what we can do.

"I am just really looking forward to the weekend, helping on the stand and welcoming people.

"It is a huge achievement for us to be chosen to fly over to the UK and to recognise what we have done."

Houchard said he had helped with making the bug hotels, using glue to stick bamboo canes and pine cones together to be bees.

Grow benefited by offering training across different areas within the gardening sector, alongside nature which helped with physical health, emotional wellbeing staff said.

By having the opportunity to go to Chelsea, it gave the pair a chance to develop skills and confidence which they could bring back to their workplace, they added.

Julia Hands, joint patron of Grow, said: "My husband Guy and I are delighted that Grow's been given this opportunity to be part of such a major event, showcasing their talents on an international stage."

Charles Williams, of Burncoose Nurseries, added: "We are pleased to be working with Grow Ltd on this year's Chelsea exhibit.

"The Crew's craftsmanship and creativity have brought a distinctive and meaningful element to the garden".

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