Irish Embassy hosts celebration of Anglo-Irish horticulture

During Chelsea Flower Show week, the Irish ambassador and his wife hosted a special event at the Irish Embassy in London celebrating Irish and British horticulture and renewed efforts to ease trade challenges
28 May 2025
On 22 May, His Excellency Martin Fraser, Irish Ambassador to Great Britain, and his wife Deirdre hosted a special event at the Irish Embassy in London to showcase the best of Irish and British horticulture.
The gathering coincided with RHS Chelsea Flower Show week and followed closely on renewed EU-UK talks aiming to ease trade challenges affecting the horticulture sector.
Guests admired a Chelsea-worthy plant display by Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) members Provender Nurseries and HSK Exotic Plants.
The evening featured a panel discussion chaired by Liz Shanahan, life sciences entrepreneur and gardener, with panelists Billy Alexander, gold medal winner at Chelsea, Richard McKenna of Provender Nurseries, and Jennifer Pheasey, HTA director of Public Affairs.
The discussion highlighted the importance of strong cross-border horticultural ties.
Ambassador Fraser said: “We are delighted to be celebrating and championing the very best of Irish and British horticulture here at the Embassy… I hope that this event helps to foster new connections and friendships across these islands and this important industry.”
Jennifer Pheasey added: “The HTA values these close business relationships and friendships in horticulture… This reset, which includes a shared ambition to address the trade barriers felt acutely by horticultural businesses… has been long advocated for by the HTA.”
Liz Shanahan remarked: “I am incredibly honoured to have moderated this event… as someone who works in healthcare, I know how much having access to green spaces means to people.”
Richard McKenna said: “As a proud Irishman… it was a real honour to be on the panel… I am looking forward to having more discussions following this high-profile event.”
Roisin Wilson from HSK Exotic Gardens commented: “We were really excited to see the reaction of the guests to the plants we provided… and look forward to continuing our connections with others who are passionate about plants.”
The event was attended by over 100 industry leaders, reinforcing the enduring horticultural partnership between Ireland and Britain.
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