When Peter Beales Roses won its first gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show, the Berlin Wall was still standing, Tim Berners-Lee was just drawing up plans for the World Wide Web, and the Queen had been on the throne for a mere 37 years.

Now, more than three decades later, the internationally acclaimed Norfolk garden centre has just been awarded its 27th gold medal.

Eastern Daily Press: Some of the team at Peter Beales Roses with the President AwardSome of the team at Peter Beales Roses with the President Award (Image: Peter Beales Roses)

The company has also received the President's Award for the best exhibit in the floral marquee at the 2022 show, which is running in London this week.

The firm, based in Attleborough, is one of the UK's leading rose breeders and has been exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show since 1971. It received its first gold medal in 1989.

The founder, Peter Beales, opened his first nursery in Swardeston in 1968 and went on to save many rose breeds from extinction.

He was recognised by the RHS as owning the most comprehensive collection of wild species roses in Britain.

Eastern Daily Press: Peter Beales pictured in 2002 with 'Compassion' at his rose gardens at Attleborough.Peter Beales pictured in 2002 with 'Compassion' at his rose gardens at Attleborough. (Image: EDP © 2002)

He served as president of the Royal National Rose Society and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Garden Media Guild for his writing on and devotion to the world of roses. In 2005, he was made an MBE.

He died aged 76 in 2013.

His passion continues to live on in the Peter Beales Roses team, who claimed their 27th RHS gold medal this week.

Eastern Daily Press: Luke Holmes, Peter Beales Roses merchandiser and buyer, with the new Peter Beales rose 'Loyal Companion', launched at the Chelsea Flower Show, which was named by Mia Osborne at the nursery.Luke Holmes, Peter Beales Roses merchandiser and buyer, with the new Peter Beales rose 'Loyal Companion', launched at the Chelsea Flower Show, which was named by Mia Osborne at the nursery. (Image: Archant 2022)

The firm's exhibit included old fashioned and contemporary roses in a garden scene.

It took the team seven days to erect more than 900 pots of roses for the whole stand, with two van loads of roses delivered daily for it.

A team from Redwood Stone also built corner pieces and the central cloister tower.

Eastern Daily Press: The Peter Beales Roses display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show included old fashioned and contemporary roses set in a garden sceneThe Peter Beales Roses display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show included old fashioned and contemporary roses set in a garden scene (Image: Keith Mindham Photography)

Ian Limmer, nursery manager, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to be awarded with a gold medal, but then to be presented with the prestigious RHS President’s Award as well is the absolute icing on the cake.

"This year has been a challenging year for the show team with the weather being a huge factor, so I’m so pleased that their hard work and perseverance has been recognised with such an accolade."

Eastern Daily Press: Ian Limmer with the President AwardIan Limmer with the President Award (Image: Peter Beales Roses)

The London Road centre introduced three roses at the show - Oxford Physic Rose, Rachel's Joy and Loyal Companion.

A spokesman said: "It is always important to carry on Peter's lifetime of work and to the best ability that you can.

"Peter looking down, would have been so proud of the team and deservedly so.

"We are positive that he would have loved the new roses launched this year too."

Eastern Daily Press: Tina Limmer, Peter Beales Roses rosarian, with the new Peter Beales rose 'Rachel's Joy', in memory of former director Rachel Flood, which was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show.Tina Limmer, Peter Beales Roses rosarian, with the new Peter Beales rose 'Rachel's Joy', in memory of former director Rachel Flood, which was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show. (Image: Archant 2022)