RHS Chelsea Flower Show: Product of the Year

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the winner of the prestigious RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year 2020 as it embraces its first ever virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The title was awarded to the Vegebag by Vegepod UK, a garden growing tool allowing gardeners of all abilities to produce fantastic crops in small spaces all year round.

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Judged virtually by a team of experts, including esteemed entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor, Deborah Meaden, the Vegebag’s enviro-mesh protective barrier keeps pests and animals at bay while still allowing the crops to get the air and water they need. Its size makes it ideal for city gardening, balconies, and patios, as well as larger spaces.

On selecting the winner, Chair Judge Chris Harrop said: 'Reflecting the challenging times we are all living in and what seems to have become the ‘new normal’ the RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year judges met virtually to discuss an excellent shortlist of new products for 2020.

“The current lockdown has unleashed a wave of passion across the country for all things gardening and particularly for growing fruit and vegetables, and after detailed debate and inspired by the mood of the nation the judges are delighted to announce that the Vegebag by Vegepod is this year’s winner.”

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The Vegebag was chosen from a shortlist of 11 finalists as the competition, which launched in 2011, aims to recognise and celebrate the best new garden products.

Alex Allen, a director of Vegepod UK, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to have won the RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year! We launched Vegepod here in the UK two years ago at Chelsea 2018 so to have won this in just two years is incredible – a perfect way to celebrate our second birthday.

'Vegepods have been very well received with people seeking convenient ways of growing their own veg, and we’re expecting great things for the Vegebag too. Fingers crossed we win the People’s Choice vote too to really round off a fantastic virtual show.'

The announcement comes after the first day of the virtual show opened on Monday to RHS Members, with Alan Titchmarsh, Monty Don and Raymond Blanc amongst the line-up.

From Tuesday (19May), virtual visitors will also have the opportunity for the first time to vote for their favourite product from 2020’s Garden Product shortlist as well as choose their RHS Plant of the Decade. Voting will close on Friday, with the winners of the People’s Choice votes to be announced on the final day of the show, Saturday 23 May. Find out how to vote here.

For more information about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020 and an up-to-date timetable of events visit rhs.org.uk/Chelsea and follow #RHSChelsea on social media.