Paul wins silver medal at Chelsea

MAY 2003

A flurry of excitement surrounds Ireland’s only exhibitor at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show. Paul Martin scoops a silver medal for his design.

The Mount Avenue resident is only the third Irish person invited to take part in the prestigious event.

‘It’s the ultimate achievement to win a medal, it really is. To take part is an honour in itself, but to be a medal winner is fantastic recognition.

Interest is phenomenal in his innovative garden display which at 5m x 4.5m takes him seven days to build and features the craftmanship of a number of local designers.

‘Prince Andrew stops by to look at the garden and is very impressed by the design. The amount of interest in it is very rewarding,’ Paul says.

He features on RTE and BBC NI special reports from the Chelsea Show and receives extensive coverage in the British and Irish press.

Paul is also interviewed by his friend from Dublin Botanics School, celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin.

His garden is a contemporary design featuring two stainless steel/teak sun-loungers floating above more than 20 different planted salads and herbs.

The Dundalk landscaper introduces to Britain a rare and beautiful plant, a Dryasoctetetala, a specific olive tree flown in from Italy.

His neighbouring exhibitor is the Sultan of Abu Dhabi, who wins a gold medal after spending £250,00stg on his design.

‘I’m nowhere near that range, I must add,’ Paul laughs. ‘However, I have a lot of support from Dundalk people in creating the garden, for which I am very grateful.’