Deirdre O Meara 
A group of protesters from Just Stop Oil received a soaking from a woman wielding a garden hose after targeting the Chelsea Flower Show. The eco-zealots threw orange paint powder over plants, yesterday despite the event focusing on sustainability. The vandalism resulted in three arrests made by the police.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said the hose woman was not an employee. Gareth Wilson, the award-winning landscaper behind the £300,000 RBC Brewin Dolphin Garden, offered to buy her a jug of Pimms. He said, “Quite frankly, these people are absolute morons who have failed to do their homework. They are working against their own cause. It is an act of vandalism and absolutely shameful what they have done.”
Designer Paul Hervey-Brookes said the paint had ruined plants which were due to be recycled and paving earmarked for a charity. The RHS spokeswoman stated that “This year there has been real excitement about RHS Chelsea championing sustainability and green ways to garden for the environment. We hope the focus can now go back to that.”
The Just Stop Oil protesters were demonstrating against the sponsorship of the event by oil company, BP. The group claims that BP is involved in environmental destruction. The event is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the gardening world, with thousands of visitors attending every year. This year, the show focused on sustainability and the environment, with many exhibitors showcasing eco-friendly products and designs.
The protesters were met with hostility from visitors to the show, with many expressing their anger at the vandalism. One visitor said, “It’s disgraceful that these people think it’s okay to damage plants and disrupt an event that promotes sustainability and the environment. They should be ashamed of themselves.”
The police have issued a statement saying that they will not tolerate any form of vandalism or disruption at the event. A spokesperson said, “We are aware of the incident at the Chelsea Flower Show and have made three arrests. We will not tolerate any form of vandalism or disruption at the event and will take action against those who break the law.”
The incident has sparked a debate about the ethics of sponsorship by oil companies. Many argue that companies like BP should not be allowed to sponsor events that promote sustainability and the environment. Others argue that the sponsorship helps to fund important events and initiatives.
Regardless of the debate, the Just Stop Oil protesters have been widely condemned for their actions. The vandalism has caused damage to plants and paving, which will now have to be replaced. It has also disrupted an event that promotes sustainability and the environment.
The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most important events in the gardening calendar, with exhibitors from all over the world showcasing their designs and products. The event is also an important platform for promoting sustainability and the environment, with many exhibitors showcasing eco-friendly designs and products. The incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness of the impact of oil companies on the environment, and the importance of promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
