Walton-le-Dale flower nursery wins gold medal award at Southport Flower Show

Matthew Smith, owner of Brighter Blooms in Walton-le-Dale. Pic: Blog Preston

A flower nursery based in Walton-le-Dale won a Gold Medal Award at the Southport Flower Show this weekend.

Brighter Blooms on Gillibrand Street is run by Matthew Smith, 43, who lives in Preston. He set up the business in 2010 and runs it on his own, with the occasional help from his wife.

He was showcasing his award-winning Zantedeschia (Calla) at the show, for which he won his gold medal.

Matthew's colourful display. Pic: Blog Preston — Matthew’s colourful display. Pic: Blog Preston

Though based in Preston, Matthew grew up in Southport and got into gardening because of his mother he used to visit the show as a child, with his mum taking part in exhibitions ‘now and then’.

Then when Matthew set up his own business, he decided to enter into various Flower Shows around the country, including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where he has won numerous gold medals and even the Queens Platinum Jubilee Award for ‘Best in Show’ for his displays.

Not only does Matthew sell award-winning plants and put on colourful displays, but he also holds fundraisers for two charities ‘close to his heart’.

Brighter Blooms was exhibiting in the Grand Floral Marquee. Pic: Blog Preston

At his events, which include a bulb sale day, the ‘Preston Potato Day’ and tulip open weekend, hot drinks and cakes are available to purchase, with all the money raised going straight to the charities – Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Motivation Romania.

This May he raised £2,100 for both of them during his sixth-annual tulip festival.

Matthew was exhibiting throughout the four-day show in the Grand Floral Marquee, where ‘only the best horticulturalists are accepted’.

His next bulb sale day will take place from 27th to 29th September. A large range of spring flowering bulbs including Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus and many more will be available.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.