Chelsea Flower Show judges and visitors alike have praised the NFU and Waitrose's new display aimed at giving people the chance to walk through a tunnel of world-class British produce – which has won a gold medal in the process and a Best in Show nomination.
 

It was a 17th consecutive gold medal for award-winning designer Penny Riley, and the display is also one of five to be nominated for the prestigious Best in Show award for exhibitors in the Great Pavilion. Mrs Riley decided on a new approach to mark the centenary of the event, by allowing visitors to walk through the stand to get a better understanding of what British growers produce. And to emphasise that everything on the stand is grown here in Britain, the eye-catching design was finished off with a giant British map. The stand also includes stunning photography of growers who have contributed to the display.
 

The entire NFU/Waitrose stand – named Celebrating British - is made up of seasonal British produce – nothing is grown especially for the display – so visitors enamoured with any particular fruit, vegetable, flower or plant can pop to their local store and buy it immediately.
 

NFU horticulture adviser Chris Hartfield said: "We've had an incredible response to this display again, both from the judges and again from the visitors. The key thing this year was to celebrate the legacy of the show and its Britishness, by leaving no-one in any doubt that what is on the NFU and Waitrose's display is from this country. It's been a difficult year for many of our growers and this is a testament to the good and hard work they do."
 

Sue Steptoe, Waitrose buying manager, horticulture, said: "We are proud to continue our successful relationship with the NFU in showcasing our passion for British fruit, vegetables and flowers. Both Waitrose and the NFU have been excited about working together for this centenary year and trying to come up with something eye-catching and we are all very proud to receive a gold medal from the judges."
 

Celebrity visitors to the NFU/Waitrose stand on day one of the show included Jamie Oliver, Mary Berry and Joanna Lumley.
 

Chelsea Flower Show runs until Saturday (25) while the stand will also be displayed at Hampton Court Palace Show from July 9-14.