Select a region
The Guernsey Clematis Nursery's application for a Royal Warrant has been granted by the Command of His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales.
The Nursery was founded by Raymond Evison OBE, who is also the chairman, in 1984 after he moved to the island. It distributes millions of clematis plants grown at their Vale site each year, representing 20% of the global market for young species.
The plants, which are sold as far as Asia and the Americas, are grown across four-acres of glasshouses by up to 50 staff members who can produce approximately 25,000 cuttings per day.
Royal Warrants are granted to companies who are substantial suppliers of products over a period of years to a Royal Household, and who reach a very high level of sustainability in their production, business practices, and social responsibilities.
Mr Evison said to be granted the Warrant was “a great honour and privilege” for the company.
Pictured: The Nursery's clematis plants regularly feature at the Chelsea Flower Show, for which they have won countless awards. Credit: Raymond Evison Clematis.
Mr Evison grew his first clematis plant at 18-years-old. Since then, he and his business have taken home 31 gold medals and a President’s Award from the Chelsea Flower Show over the years.
He is also the recipient of a Royal Horticultural Society Victoria Medal of Honour and an OBE for services to Guernsey horticulture.
Speaking to Express, Mr Evison evidenced the sustainability of the operation during production “such as the re-use of natural resources including water”.
When asked how long the Nursery has provided plants to a Royal household, he said: “It’s been over quite a number of years,” and that a minimum number of years are required before a Warrant application can be submitted.
Mr Evison said the Nursery has not received a Royal visit to date, but added: “Let’s see what the future holds."
Pictured (top): Raymond Evison OBE with his staff outside their Vale nursery site, and a Clematis Kingfisher.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.