JEAN HILL PAYS A VISIT TO RHS TATTON (WHICH TAKES PLACE FROM 18TH-22ND JULY) TO SHARE THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SHOW…
A site map helps to plan and fully enjoy this 20th anniversary Flower Show. There is a dazzling array of show gardens and activities. There’s a flower arranger’s bus, a London double decker bus and a buzz stop wonderfully decorated. The Sunshine Fields dazzle, with swathes of golden Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’ spilling in all directions.
So to start at the beginning. The Bruntwood Show Garden is spacious, structured and decorated with cottage gardens planting. Climbers spiral around wooden uprights in an urban community space. Ferns, delphiniums, and daisies spill around rustic tables and seating. Contrasting wooden panelling adds a formal note The designer Nathan Webster, has created a beautiful setting where people could meet and arrange activities.
There is a wealth of meaning behind the ‘Sleep Well’ Back to Back garden. It is designed by Liverpool University research scientist, Julie Dunn. Two tall fig trees with silver bark rise above healing plants such as santolina. Kaffe Fassett floral prints have been used in the bespoke quilt that adorns the four poster bed, which is the centre-piece. The quilt colours match the mauves and silvers of the planting. The garden is to be donated to Autism Together as a therapeutic relaxing space to be enjoyed.
The Young Designers Gardens’ brief was to create a garden highlighting the benefits that plants and gardening have on health and well-being. Nicola Oakey created a tranquil space with a soothing water feature, as did Max Harriman. The Bee-Hive is a meeting place, where workshops and talks take place each day. The Flower School is an interactive hub of activities, with some stunning flower arrangements to admire. There’s an opportunity to grow your own fruit and vegetables. Pennard Plants have a wealth of seeds to help with that endeavour.
As always the ‘Green Fields’, the school children’s gardens are enchanting. The brief was to create gardens, as an interpretation of famous artists’ paintings. It is the imagination and creativity that stuns. Pebbles are painted as bees: bottles are used for a path and beautiful murals adorn tiny spaces. It is also a fact that the most beautiful strawberries and tomatoes are to be found here.
www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-flower-show-tatton-park
Image by: Chris Bull Photography.
Related feature: Looking back on the 2017 Tatton Flower Show.
