Shepton Mallet's own Protek is celebrating a major win after its vibrant debut at RHS Chelsea 2025 saw it scoop the BBC/RHS People's Choice Award for its balcony garden, created in partnership with the charity Bees for Development.

The garden, titled 'Making Life Better with Bees', also picked up a prestigious Silver-Gilt Medal — a proud achievement for both Protek and the Monmouth-based charity.

Designed as a small yet powerful urban space, the balcony garden was brought to life using Protek's signature water-based wood stains and paints, available in over 160 colours and wood tones. More than 20 carefully selected Protek shades were used to create the uplifting garden palette, inspired by African hues and reflecting the charity's work with beekeepers across the continent.

Protek's Royal Exterior 'Carmine Red', 'Clouded Yellow', and 'French Lilac' featured prominently, alongside a custom orange-brown colour mixed specifically for the display. The result was a bold, beautiful space designed to show how even the smallest areas — balconies, windowsills and tiny gardens — can support biodiversity and bring joy through colour.

The garden featured upcycled planters made from old honey barrels and beehives, painted in intricate Protek patterns, as well as a bark hive mounted on a fallen oak trunk, connecting the display to traditional African beekeeping practices. A vertical living wall, solitary bee hotels, and drought-tolerant planting emphasised the importance of wild pollinators and sustainable gardening.

The project supports Bees for Development's long-standing mission to use beekeeping to fight poverty and protect biodiversity. The charity has worked in communities across Africa for over 30 years, helping people create sustainable livelihoods through bees.

Protek, which has been manufacturing eco-friendly paints and woodcare products from its base in Shepton Mallet for decades, said it was proud to be part of the collaboration.

"We're absolutely thrilled," a spokesperson said. "To be part of such an inspiring project with Bees for Development, and to be recognised by the public with the People's Choice Award, is an honour. We're grateful for the opportunity to show what's possible with colour, creativity, and a small outdoor space."

If you missed the display at RHS Chelsea, Protek will be back on show at RHS Hampton Court from 1–6 July 2025, with a new garden designed by Matt Leigh of ITV's Love Your Garden.