Bloomin’ marvellous!

With four generations of gardening expertise behind her, Kate Hillier is certainly a fitting person to be events director for the New Zealand Flower and Garden Show, which runs from 28 November – 2 December.

Englishwoman Kate told an audience gathered in the village centre at Bert Sutcliffe how the Hillier family had grown into a garden centre brand and quality plant stockist worthy of a Royal Warrant, all stemming from her great great grandfather Edwin Hillier’s humble beginnings opening a small nursery in Winchester in 1864.

The company has also long been associated with the Chelsea Flower Show, racking up 73 consecutive gold medals, which makes it the most successful exhibitor in the show’s history.

Kate was thrilled to meet resident Jillian Browne who helped set up the original Ellerslie Flower Show 25 years ago, which was modelled on the Chelsea event.