SUCCESS blossomed this week as a town topiary talent scooped a gold medal during his 20th year at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.

Reg Bolton, from Stratton, weeded out the competition to take home the top trophy for his beautiful Bonsai display at the Oscars of the gardening world, held in the grounds of London’s Royal Hospital in Chelsea.

The 83-year-old was part of a six-strong team representing the Federation of British Bonsai who received three ‘excellent’ scores for the judge’s top prize.

This year Reg and friend Terry Adams from Evesham displayed 25 Bonsai they had lovingly nurtured on a rectangular wooden platform designed to give a modern and oriental feel.

The 25 trees on display included Mountain Maple, English Yew, White Pine, Trident Maple, Deshojo Maple, and Chinese Juniper.

“To know that we got three excellents from the judges makes it all worthwhile. We’ve also had very complementary remarks from visitors,” said Reg

“It was relief and somewhere in-between surprise. In this business you can never become complacent and there’s always stuff you want to improve upon.

“I absolutely love Chelsea, I love the camaraderie, I love preparing for it, and meeting the people. “

Reg, who is honorary president of the Swindon & District Bonsai Club, said the Japanese art form using miniature trees grown in containers was becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

“This puts Swindon on the map and it is still very much the centre of the Bonsai industry in the UK,” he said.

Reg and Terry were assisted in the build by fellow club members Graham Simpson, Andy Jordan, Graham Stubbs, Terry Adams, Reginald Bolton and Tony McKenzie.

The Bonsai boffin, who estimates he has won ‘at least’ a dozen medals ,said there is much more to a successful display than the few days of exhibition the public get to see.

“It’s a relaxing and enjoyable hobby and something that goes on year-round, it’s something that anyone of any age can enjoy. It is miniaturising trees, making sure they are pruned correctly and it brings me a lot of joy.”

Despite his gold-medal winning streak, green-fingered Reg said victory is never assured.

“I had some doubts before the competition, there were things I wanted to change right up until the last minute. It’s always a bit of a nail-biting wait to see if you have got a gold. There’s almost more pressure on us because of the success in the past,” he said.

Reg is supported by his partner and floral artist Roz, his two children, and two grandchildren.

The retired psychiatric social worker began his Bonsai bonanza in 1969 and has since grown his field to 30 trees.

Reg also received another unexpected prize when he was candidly snapped and appeared on the front page of the Financial Times watering his display.

The annual five-day Chelsea Flower Show celebrates the best that gardening gurus have to offer and regularly attracts royalty, celebrities and visitors from around the world.