John Lewis carpeted for Chelsea logo on fake grass
THE Royal Horticultural Society is embroiled in a row with the department store John Lewis and an artificial lawn firm after the society’s logo was used to promote plastic grass.
The RHS said its lawyers had been in contact with Easigrass over its Chelsea Flower Show gold medal being used in John Lewis stores to promote the product. The gardening charity said medal wins are not the same as endorsements and should not be used in advertising.
It comes as the RHS announced plans to ban fake grass from shows from next year. It currently is barred from show gardens unless being used to make a point – such as showing bad practice in an environmentally-themed garden – but it can be used as flooring on stands.
At this week’s Chelsea Flower Show, which ends today, it was visible on a small number of trade stands but no artificial grass companies were exhibiting.
Artificial grass was barred from the gardening show for decades, but Easigrass was first allowed to attend in 2010, winning a silver gilt medal. It was later awarded a gold medal in 2012 for an exhibit on the theme of “desire and envy”, which included Perspex cylinders containing orchids surrounded by columns coated in artificial grass.
Concerns about the environment have led to criticism of fake grass amid fears about plastic use, the loss of natural habitats and the shedding of microplastics. Responding to criticism online, the RHS said last week: “We always recommend using real grass or permeable paving.” It added that artificial grass would be banned from its shows from 2022 onwards.
An RHS spokesman added: “Easigrass should not be using the RHS logo to endorse its products and we are picking this up directly with both Easigrass and John Lewis.”
John Lewis said: “Plastic grass provides a solution for those who have roof gardens, balconies or want an allweather surface for children. However, we would like to phase it out and are keen to explore sustainable alternatives.”
Easigrass did not respond to requests for comment.