Turtle Mat Tales

Competition Rules – Turtle Mat Chelsea Flower Show 2013, Dee Hardwicke Competition

If you are the lucky winner or one of the two runner-ups of the competition, we will contact you via the email address accompanying your competition entry (supplied via a Turtle Mat Facebook application) and ask for your full name and address in order to send you your prize.

Only the Turtle Mat Company Ltd. and companies working for the Turtle Mat Company Ltd. have access to your personal details and we do not share them with anybody else for their marketing purposes, without your permission to do so.

1.  You must provide the Turtle Mat Company Ltd. with the required details if you wish to enter this competition. The Turtle Mat Company Ltd. (or companies working for the Turtle Mat Company Ltd.) will use your personal details for the purposes outlined above and as outlined in our Privacy Policy
2. The competition closes at midnight on Friday, 31st May 2013. The prize winner and runner-up winners will be notified by The Turtle Mat Company Ltd. by Friday, 14th June 2013, at the email address supplied when entering the competition (see above).
3. Entries must be submitted by completing all elements of the Turtle Mat Chelsea Flower Show 2013 entry form via the Turtle Mat application on Facebook. Entries submitted by any other method will not be accepted.
4. Unless otherwise stated, competitions are only open to UK residents over the age of 18 at the closing date. The Turtle Mat Company Ltd. reserves the right to request proof of age.
5. Your answer to the competition question must be your own work and its originality will be taken into account by the judges. By entering this competition you agree to grant The Turtle Mat Company Ltd. the right to publish and use your entry in all media for all purposes in connection with the competition.
6. The competition winner will be contacted personally. In the event of their being no reply from the contact details (email address) supplied by the winning entrant The Turtle Mat Company Ltd. reserves the right to offer the prize to a runner up or withhold it for use in another competition.
7. The prizes – first prize of £100 National Gardening Voucher and one 60x85cm Dee Hardwicke Oakleaf Turtle Mat and two runner up prizes of one each 60x85cm Dee Hardwicke Oakleaf Turtle Mat – must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. There will be no cash alternatives.
8. The Turtle Mat Company Ltd. does not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries
9. Entrants must comply with all rules to be eligible for the prize. Ineligible entries or entries made fraudulently will be automatically disqualified.
10. This competition is not open to employees of the Turtle Mat Company Ltd. or any person directly or indirectly involved in the organisation or running of the competition, or their direct family members
11. The Turtle Mat Company’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
12. The Turtle Mat Company Ltd. reserves the right to cancel the competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances arise outside of its control.
13. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition. Entrants may be asked to take part in post competition publicity.
14.  No purchase necessary.
15.  This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
16. This competition is administered by the Turtle Mat Company Ltd. and is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Facebook

Showcasing our RHS 'Heritage Peony' design, new for RHS Chelsea 2012

A sunny, busy week away from Turtle Towers as the team headed to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012.  Exhibiting Turtle Mats directly for the first time was an exciting if daunting prospect but after much hardwork, care and attention the stand finally took shape late on Sunday evening with a display focusing on the new RHS Turtle Mat design ‘Heritage Peony’. We were lucky enough to have bagged some beautiful peonies from Binny Plants to display with the mat. This Scottish nursery specialising in some stunning peonies really did come to our rescue – thanks Adam!

Sir Cliff Richard at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012

After a good night’s rest we were set for the opening of the show and the press and Queen’s visit. Much of the day was spent celebrity spotting, with our intrepid photographer Kate taking a few shots of those enjoying the first glimpse of the show. A thoroughly enjoyable start to the week as one customer commented that they had never thought they should have measured their doorway before attending the gala evening!

Tuesday morning brought the judges verdict, and after fleeing from the stand with nerves on Monday whilst judging took place, we were then pleased as punch to be awarded a commendation from the RHS for the quality of our stand. Cue many smiles and a celebratory glass of Pimms!

Becca and Sooz - the Turtle team at RHS Chelsea

The sun decided to make a belated appearance on Tuesday afternoon as RHS members flocked to the show but it didn’t dampen visitors’ enthusiasm for doormats knowing how fickle the British weather can be. ‘Heritage Peony’ proved a real winner as did our range of Cape Cod outdoor mats. The week continued in the same very sunny, very busy way!

With weary legs, suntanned faces and lots of lovely comments from customers old and new we headed back to the Cotswolds.

Thank you to everyone who visited us at the show and to our lovely show neighbours Scotts of Thrapston and sculptors Brendon and David for making our first time at RHS Chelsea such a great experience.  Don’t forget the special show offer runs until the end of June, so don’t miss out! Also, a special mention to the local suppliers from whom we sourced the beautiful Clematis – Walled Garden Nursery, Brinkworth and the glamorous irises – Malmesbury Garden Centre.