Rebecca Hubbard
Posted: Thursday, September 2, 2010 10:13 am

AN RHS gold medal-winning orchid expert with more than 30 years’ experience will be joining one of the UK’s leading suppliers of plant nutrients at GLEE. 

Chris Channon, a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gold medallist for orchid displays, will be at the horticultural industry exhibition in Birmingham with Taunton-based Growth Technology from September 20 until 22.  

The 62-year-old said: “I’m delighted to be accompanying Growth Technology to GLEE for the second year and will be able to pass on my expertise. 

“I regularly host Orchid Days for the company to offer plant lovers tips and advice on how to get the best out of their orchids. These events also provide an opportunity for visitors to bring along their unruly and problematic plants and I can help get to the root of the problem. 

“Companies and individuals who visit the Growth Technology stand at GLEE will be able to find out more about the Orchids Days and the steps they need to take if they’d like to host one. I look forward to meeting people enthusiastic to learn more about these fascinating plants.” 

Father-of-two Chris, who is based in North Wales, founded Deva Orchids in Pen-y-Ffordd near Chester in January, 1988. He ran the nursery for 21 years before retiring from growing and showing orchids in December, 2008. 

As well being an RHS gold medallist, Chris has been awarded the ‘Edith Aveling’ gold cup at Southport 14 times. 

Growth Technology’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Manos Kanellos said: “We are thrilled Chris will be joining us at GLEE to offer some of his expert advice. 

“Chris is an orchid fanatic whose horticultural knowledge is unsurpassable. As well as Chris, Growth Technology has a team of experts well-versed in the subject that are available to host Orchid Days nationwide. 

“All Growth Technology stockists are eligible to host Orchid Days. Chris will have his diary with him at GLEE to take event bookings. We’re encouraging retailers to sign up quickly to avoid disappointment as many dates are already booked.” 

Growth Technology, which was launched in 1985, has been developing and manufacturing horticultural products for 25 years.