RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year 2018
And the winner is...
The winner of the RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year 2018 is Mr Fothergill’s Seeds with their Optigrow Seeds.
The judges said: "In a world where we are trying to remove the use of chemicals, this unique non-chemical process naturally prepares seeds for more successful sowing. Anything that removes disappointment in seed sowing is to be welcomed."
The judges were (pictured above l-r) : Caroline Owen, Peter Seabrook, Chris Harrop, and Deborah Meaden.
Launched in 2011, the RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year competition recognises the best new garden products on the market. Entries are judged on a number of criteria, including innovation, visual appeal, functionality, quality, value for money and environmental sustainability.
This year, an eclectic mix of 12 finalists were shortlisted to compete for the prestigious title, with all products available to buy throughout the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and online.
The finalists
Agralan – Fruit Tree Sleeves
A fine mesh net sleeve that protects cherries and other fruit from birds, wasps and fruit flies. Easy to use, reusable and available in packs of two or five sleeves.
ASK Consult International – Skal Chair
Inspired by the shape of curled leaves, this chair uses the near-extinct skills of traditional boat building. Steam bending and laminating combine with copper fastenings in this sculptural piece.
Burgon & Ball – Wonder Weed Puller
A long-handled tool for easy weeding in lawns, with a lightweight aluminium shaft and tough polypropylene handle. It also features three rust-resistant stainless steel prongs to remove weeds, and a satisfying ejector button to jettison them.
Chesneys – HEAT 500
A dual-function barbecue heater combining a versatile and easy-to-use cooking experience with an effective and atmospheric outdoor heating system that's entirely unique. The HEAT 500 is part of a range of four designs.
Dalefoot Composts – Dalefoot Bulb Compost
This free-draining, peat-free, professional bulb compost is blended from sustainably harvested wild bracken. Made on a Lake District hill farm, the compost promotes strong root growth, vibrant blooms, feeds over two years, and replenishes bulbs.
James Doran Webb – Custom-built modular natural rock stream
A custom-built natural rock stream made from quarried boulders, cement and metal. Pre-fabricated in sections for easy, heavy-machinery-free installation on a pre-existing terrain or on its own framework.
Wilstone – Traditional Wall Greenhouse
A one-piece solid steel frame, designed with aesthetic visual appeal. Incorporating toughened glass, mirrored back to maximise the available light, galvanised trays, capillary matting and folding shelves for practical functionality.
Labels 'N' Things – The Green Wall, Vertical Planter
The vertical planter is a self-watering wall planter – plants can be placed in pots or into the planter. Roots are kept constantly damp by a reservoir in the base.
Mr Fothergill's Seeds – Optigrow Seed Range
Optigrow is a patented, chemical-free treatment that primes seed to produce quicker germination in a wider range of conditions compared to untreated seed. Seedlings' vigour is improved and final plants are better.
Niwaki Ltd – Niwaki Garden shears FSC
An all-round pair of garden shears - ideal for hedges, shrubs, box clipping and topiary. The white oak handles are the perfect length for everyday use.
PJ Bridgman & Co – Verona Sofa
A sofa inspired by Italian coastlines, handcrafted from recyclable aluminium with HPL armrests. Fully waterproof cushions wrapped around the frame complete a sumptuous, comfortable sofa.
Bosch Home & Garden – EasyPrune
The EasyPrune power-assisted secateurs are perfect for everyday pruning tasks. The power only kicks in when resistance is sensed, saving your hands from becoming excessively tired when cutting branches up to 25mm in diameter.
