Jonathan Sheppard, the UK National Collection holder of cosmos known as 'King Cosmos', has teamed up with Thompson & Morgan to distribute one million seeds at the Chelsea Flower Show and encourage more wildlife-friendly gardening.
The giveaway centres around a specially developed 'King Cosmos Mix', created in collaboration with Thompson & Morgan. The mix has been selected to perform reliably in peat-free compost, supporting a more sustainable approach to gardening while highlighting the plant's value for pollinators.
"The first time I exhibited my cosmos at a flower show, I was really surprised by how many people still hadn't grown anything from seed. Propagation, by sowing seeds, is one of the most magical things in gardening when you see the first shoots emerge. As someone who loves growing from seed, I wanted to share that experience — and the plant I'm most passionate about — by finding a way to give away one million seeds," Johnathon Sheppard said.
© Thompson and Morgan
The partnership builds on Sheppard's previous work with T&M, including the launch of Cosmos 'Fondant Fancy' at last year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show - A rich pink variety noted for its long flowering season, airy foliage and strong pollinator appeal.
"Cosmos are such a giving plant," says Sheppard. "They flower from June until the first frosts, are loved by pollinators, can be grown in pots or borders, and add a splash of colour to any garden. I truly believe there is a cosmos for everyone."
A Chelsea Gold Medal Winner and National Collection holder of hollyhocks, Sheppard has also had his plants praised by Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom.
By giving away one million seeds, he hopes to inspire more gardeners to grow pollinator-friendly plants while demonstrating that vibrant gardens can be created using peat-free methods.
Visitors to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be able to pick up packets of the 'King Cosmos Mix' from Johnathon during the event, helping to distribute pollinator-friendly planting across gardens and green spaces nationwide.
For more information:
Thompson & Morgan
www.thompson-morgan.com
