BURSTNG with pride, champion grower Don Wright covets his latest gold medal.

This passionate Cheshire horticulturalist has exhibited at national flower shows for an incredible 70 years.

His stunning displays wowed judges again at this week’s RHS Tatton Flower Show where he won yet another gold for coleus and silver gilt for pelargonium.

“I’m happy,” said nursery man Don, of Wincham.

Don Wright won a gold medal for his stunning coleus displayDon Wright won a gold medal for his stunning coleus display (Image: Newsquest)

“I started off selling daffodil bulbs and did my first show at Shrewsbury in 1954.

“It went from there to doing nearly 60 shows per year with two teams out on the road.

“It must equate to something like 2,200 shows over the years.

“We have won gold medals everywhere plus all the RHS shows.”

Don Wright coveting his Chelsea gold medal among his precious collection of gold medalsDon Wright coveting his Chelsea gold medal among his precious collection of gold medals (Image: Newsquest)

Despite approaching his 89th birthday, Don can’t bear the thought of giving up.

“Shows get in your blood,” he said.

“Nearly 90 years of age, I am finding it all hard work but I just can’t let go.

“I am lucky to be in good health.”

Don Wright has been exhibiting at flower shows for an incredible 70 yearsDon Wright has been exhibiting at flower shows for an incredible 70 years (Image: Newsquest)

Don closed his garden centre, The Hollies, three years ago but still grows plants.

“My immediate family didn’t have anything to do with horticulture or agriculture but I went into it and it escalated into all this,” said Don.

“I’ve always been fanatical on pelargoniums (geraniums).

“Everyone falls in love with something during their life and I fell for these magnificent plants.

“The various colours are gorgeous.

“My favourite is a rosebud called Apple Blossom.

“We have sold over 40,000 of that one variety over 70 years.”

Don Wright cherishes every gold medal he has won Don Wright cherishes every gold medal he has won (Image: Newsquest)

Exhibiting as D & A Wright, Don was awarded the Harlow Carr Medal in 2016 for his services to horticulture in the North of England.

Every day he still spends hours nurturing his precious plants.

“We have over 260 varieties of pelargoniums and propagate 6,000 new plants every year,” said Don.

“I’m down there at 6.30am most mornings and don’t go to bed until around 9.30pm.

“I don’t trade anymore and do the shows as a bit of a hobby.

“It would be very sad to give it up. It would leave a big hole in my life.”