In a statement released after their arrests, Ms Goddard, from Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, said: “I know that by carrying out this action, I risk losing my job, my livelihood and my reputation, but it is what I have to do right now.
“We all need to do everything in our power to stop this madness continuing. There is a better, cleaner, safer future, but only if we fight for it.”
Organisers of the Chelsea Flower Show said none of the events scheduled to take place on Thursday were disrupted.
‘They’ve damaged their cause’
The RBC Brewin Dolphin Garden was created by acclaimed garden designer Paul Hervey-Brookes as a wildlife and biodiversity habitat and won a silver-gilt medal.
Organisers washed the majority of paint off the site, including wiping down affected leaves individually. But some of the orange residue could not be removed from the gravel feature.
‘They’ve damaged their cause’
Garden designer Mark Gregory, dubbed the “King of Chelsea” said the protesters had shot themselves in the foot.
“Why would you ever do this at a flower show? It seems ridiculous. This whole thing is about greening. I think they’ve actually damaged their cause.”
Commander Karen Findlay tweeted: “We are aware of an incident at the Chelsea Flower Show whereby Just Stop Oil protestors have criminally damaged show gardens at the #chelseaflowershow2023 @metpoliceuk have quickly made three arrests for criminal damage.”
The Metropolitan Police Events Twitter account tweeted: “Officers responded to an incident at #ChelseaFlowerShow this morning.
“Three people were arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with a #JSO protest. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Excitement over green ways to garden
A spokesperson for the Royal Horticultural Society said: “There has been an incident with Just Stop Oil on site at RHS Chelsea on one of the gardens involving orange powder being sprayed on the garden.
“The three protesters are all off site now and the police are dealing with the matter. The RHS’ primary concern is for the safety of its visitors, exhibitors and everyone at the show.
“No disruption was caused to visitors onsite at the time of the incident and the show is open as normal today for anyone with tickets.
“This year there has been real excitement about RHS Chelsea championing sustainability and green ways to garden for the environment, we hope the focus can now go back to that.”
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show began on Monday and is running until Saturday.
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