This month’s Chelsea Flower Show had an exciting twist for one exhibitor, Willsow’s co-founder Tom Willday. King Charles, who was visiting with Queen Camilla, visited the trade stands area where Willsow was selling children’s books made from seeded paper that bloom when they’re planted.
Tom gave the King ‘The Carrot Who Was Too Big For His Bed’ book – which grows real carrots when planted. “I still cannot believe that I spoke to The King,”a stunned Tom told GiftsandHome.net. “He said, ‘what a splendid idea’ and congratulated me. The King loved the fact that the books were all produced in the UK and how they managed to get children outside growing their own, all from a story!”
Continued Tom: “I also had a conversation with Sarah Ferguson and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, who also loved the books. Other fans included Amanda Holden, Dan Walker and Miss England who all loved the concept. It’s great to go to a consumer show and get direct feedback. We also had so many people tell us how our books have affected their children with growing their own. One said they have literally read the Carrot book 400+ times to their little one and took it travelling for six months. They then grew huge carrots on their return! This is our second year and fingers crossed we manage to get a 2025 stand.”
Tom set up Willsow with James Coulthurst, winning a £20,000 investment from BBC Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Sara Davies MBE when they appeared on the show in 2021. The following year, Willsow won the Gift Of The Year’s Ethical & Sustainable Gift category, as well as the Judges’ Choice award.
Top: Tom Willday (right) hands Willsow’s ‘The Carrot Who Was Too Big For His Bed’ seeded book to King Charles at the Chelsea Flower Show.
