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Horsmonden gardener Shelley Sishton stars on BBC The Farmers' Country Showdown

A flower fanatic who went from a busy career in advertising to making flower remedies at her home, has starred in BBC’s The Farmers’ Country Showdown.

The episode sees Shelley Sishton prepare for her first Flower Show at the Kent County Show 2018 with the help of husband, Ian, and win a silver gilt medal.

Mrs Sishton, 58, from Horsmonden, was converted to the benefits of remedies 25 years ago after three failed rounds of IVF. Sadly, she was unable to have children and friends suggested using flower essences as a stress relief.

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Shelley Sishton wild flower garden in Tonbridge - appeared on The Farmers' Country Showdown BBC (6457001)
Shelley Sishton wild flower garden in Tonbridge - appeared on The Farmers' Country Showdown BBC (6457001)

She said: “I took them to keep my friends happy but then started to notice I felt happier and more relaxed.”

In 1999 Mrs Sishton took a two year course to become a flower essences practitioner, which involves turning the blooms into drops to help people heal themselves.

The pond in the centre of the garden is her favourite spot for holding meditations, talks about healing properties and flower bathing workshops.

“It’s like forest bathing [a form of nature therapy] you leave all your tech at home and just re-engage with yourself.”

Filming first took place in Mrs Sishton’s two acre garden in School House Lane, a spot she has been transforming into an organic wild flower haven for 15 years.

The crew then joined her as she set up at Kent Showground the evening before and from 5am on competition day.

Shelley Sishton wild flower garden in Tonbridge - appeared on The Farmers' Country Showdown BBC (6456979)
Shelley Sishton wild flower garden in Tonbridge - appeared on The Farmers' Country Showdown BBC (6456979)

Previously working as a board director and in client liaison at London advertisement agencies from 1983-93, including Bartle Bogle Hegarty, Mrs Sishton was used to being on the other side of the camera.

But the production team made her feel very comfortable.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience - the team made us so at ease. They have a real talent for bringing your story to life.”

Mrs Sishton was approached by the BBC soon after signing up to the Kent County Show and said the call from production came out of the blue.

Shelley Sishton and husband Ian - wild flower display Kent County Flower Show- won a silver-gilt medal- appeared on The Farmers' Country Showndown BBC (6456981)
Shelley Sishton and husband Ian - wild flower display Kent County Flower Show- won a silver-gilt medal- appeared on The Farmers' Country Showndown BBC (6456981)

She also creates wild flower displays for private events and feels embracing nature has allowed her to understand the bigger picture of life.

“If I can encourage my fellow Earthlings to step outside the box - how we generally see life and live it - the world will be a better place.”

She only grows organic, British varieties, including snapdragons, sweet peas and the classic English rose.

“I let them grow how they want - I leave them to it. I think they look much better that way.”

Shelley Sishton's wild flower display at Kent County Flower Show - appeared on The Farmers' Country Showdown BBC (6456983)
Shelley Sishton's wild flower display at Kent County Flower Show - appeared on The Farmers' Country Showdown BBC (6456983)

Mrs Sishton was over the moon with her silver gilt award, adding: “We were thrilled. The flower show was judged to a Royal Horticultural Society standard and one of the judges was from the society.”

Mr Sishton, who also has a background in advertising, helps his wife with the business by designing and managing the website.

In addition, he chooses new blooms for the garden with her and takes essences, as he agrees they have some health benefits.

Another gardener, Darren Everest, who has attended the Kent Count Show for 19 years, shared screen time with Mrs Sishton.

The episode aired on Wednesday, January 9 but is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The Farmers' Country Showdown continues weekdays on BBC One at 3.45pm.

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