Ireland’s Master Gardener Billy Alexander of Kells Bay Gardens in Cahersiveen was one of those who wowed the judges enough to receive a prestigious gold medal Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show

This is the third gold medal that Billy has been awarded by the RHS for his rare and exotic fern displays, scooping golds at the 2021 Hampton Court, and Chelsea Flower shows respectively.

Kells Bay Gardens is home to one of the largest private collections of exotic tree ferns which grow naturally in the tranquil microclimate at Kells Bay Gardens overlooking the Dingle Peninsula.

The inspiration for this year’s display came from the Irish landscape, and in particular the wild surrounds of County Kerry.

The design simulates a Kerry bog, and along with a myriad of fern varieties, native sphagnum moss features amidst small peaty bog pools. Offsetting this, are large ancient rocks typical of the Iveragh peninsula landscape

Kerry Fianna Fáil Councillor, Michael Cahill has extended his congratulations to Billy.

He said:
“This is a massive achievement and everyone in the county is proud of the fact that we have Gold Medal standard gardens in our midst at Kells Bay House and Gardens on the Ring of Kerry.

“Billy’s design showcases the wild Kerry landscape and the many types of fern that can be seen all around us, to a world class standard. Kells Bay House and Gardens is another fantastic attraction in Kerry and Billy’s success will continue to draw more visitors here.”