Frank P Matthews wins RHS gold award at Malvern Autumn Show

The team at Frank P Matthews, a leading tree nursery based just outside Tenbury, is thrilled to have been awarded an RHS Gold Medal at the popular autumn show. 

The medal was given to the company for its outstanding fruit display, which featured over 300 different varieties of apples, all grown in Frank P Matthews’ own orchards.

The display of apples won a top award for Frank P Matthews (Image: Frank P Matthews)

Each variety was carefully handpicked for the show, showcasing the nursery’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the diversity of British fruit trees. In addition to the apples, the display also includes a selection of pears, crabapples, and Sorbus, creating a vibrant and colorful presentation for visitors.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have received this recognition,” said Steph Dunn James, managing director at Frank P Matthews.

“The RHS Gold Medal is a huge honour and reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into growing each of these varieties. We hope visitors to the Malvern Autumn Show enjoyed seeing the display as much as we enjoyed creating it.”

The Malvern Autumn Show is one of the UK’s best-loved gardening events, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Frank P Matthews’ fruit display is a key attraction, highlighting the nursery’s expertise in fruit tree cultivation and its commitment to offering customers the best of British-grown trees.

The display will now be moved and displayed at Tenbury Applefest this coming Saturday (October 5).

Frank P Matthews has been a trusted name in the horticultural industry for over a century, known for its high-quality fruit and ornamental trees. This Gold Medal win adds to the nursery’s long-standing reputation for excellence and innovation in the field.

Earlier this year, the business also won a coveted award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, when tree Prunus 'Starlight', created in 2006 from a cross between a sweet eating cherry and Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea', was awarded the highly coveted title of RHS Plant of the Year 2024.

Prunus 'Starlight' impressed the judges with its unique combination of beauty, practicality, and performance, securing its place as a top contender in the horticultural world.