The University of Cambridge has been awarded a silver-gilt medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for its debut exhibit, Blooming Numbers. This interactive plant science display was presented by The Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University and is part of the new GreenSTEM section, which highlights innovative research in plant science.
Blooming Numbers offers an immersive experience into quantitative plant biology, covering areas such as molecular biology, genetics, imaging technologies, computational modeling, and mathematical patterns in plant development. Kathy Grube from the Sainsbury Laboratory expressed excitement about the award: “This award is just so exciting.”
The exhibit was created through collaboration among various Cambridge institutions and partners. The University’s Department of Engineering co-designed the infrastructure using inspiration from the Fibonacci sequence. Oakington Garden Centre contributed to the Pollinator Patch with pollinator-friendly planting, while Darwin Nurseries provided wildlife-friendly hanging baskets.
Kathy Grube noted that achieving a silver-gilt on their first attempt was significant: “One of our fellow exhibitors... told us that getting a silver-gilt on your first try is a real achievement.” She added that judges praised both the design and interactive elements of the stand.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show continues until the end of this week, drawing horticultural experts and enthusiasts worldwide.