LCGD Chelsea stand wins award

We’re delighted that the College’s stand at Chelsea Flower Show 2026 has been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society with an award.

The three star award is great recognition for our graduate team of Michelle O’Dowd, Lizzie Richards and Alex Fox who designed and created the stand with the support of Veterans’ Growth. It was a reflection on the LCGD family that brings together students that become friends, family and working colleagues.

The success of the stand was also down to the support of Veterans’ Growth who have now worked with us for five years. Working at Chelsea is a great experience for the veterans and we make a substantial donation in return. On the final Saturday of Chelsea we sold off all the plants and made a further donation of £1,433 to the charity.

Veterans’ Growth works with veterans from the tri-services who are suffering with mental health issues, such as, but not limited to, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To combat any sense of isolation our veterans are experiencing and the stress and anxiety that can arise from their situation, we are looking to build social relationships during their time with us.

The courses aim to reduce participants’ levels of stress, anxiety, depression and isolation. We seek to establish long-term social connections within the group and with the individual attending. We also aim to provide an introduction to a new skill, horticulture, that can be fostered once the course is over to provide a future hobby or possibly career.