The talking points for this year’s RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park are already creating a buzz, as preparations get underway for the height of summer event, set in the glorious grounds of the Tatton Park estate in Cheshire (18 – 22 July 2007).
With titles like California Dreaming, Spaced Out and Rhythm in Blues, those submitting designs for Tatton 2007 certainly seem to have been chilling out over the winter months.
This relaxed atmosphere also extends to the astonishing number of herb gardens that will be on the menu at Tatton. There are those like Thyme and Money and Living Medicine, which investigate herbal philosophies, and those that seek to encourage others to enjoy the simple pleasures of growing herbs at home, such as Jacqui Brocklehurst, who intends to hold a Herbal Tea Party.
Tatton’s timing at the very climax of summer always makes it a very colourful affair, not least because of the RHS / Ball Colegrave National Flower Bed Competition. This element of the show is a real crowd pleaser with local authorities and colleges from across the UK showcasing innovative bedding. This year look out for a ‘life size’ Wallace and Gromit from previous ‘best in show’ winners Preston City Council.
Designers appearing at Tatton are confident enough to inject a sense of fun into their work, but are also aware of the opportunity to tackle some important topics. Therefore, expect to see a number of gardens tackling climate change and sustainability issues, with many designers featuring drought tolerant plants. Vale Royal Borough Council, for example, will be predicting the future of gardening if global warming continues with a thought-provoking show feature.
Tatton is also the place for developing horticultural talent; showcasing the very best of the very newest designers. Amongst those making their RHS debut are Sue Beesley, the winner of the 2006 BBC Gardener of the Year competition. Sue’s Whispering Garden uses the natural properties, colours and movements of plants to create a sleep-inducing horticultural haven.
Other first timers joining Sue at Tatton include Liz Beardsall of Banjo Juli, who will be displaying an ornamental space to explore how gardening attempts to restrict the natural forces of growth with her Restraint design. Jane Parker will be working with natural materials from Wales to cook up The Slate Banquet and Jill Sharrock’s The City Sanctuary will be refreshing the senses with this town-terrace courtyard, complete with antique mirrors.
Dramatic floral art, rare varieties and award-winning stands will provide visitors with inspiration in abundance, with an array of packed marquees, where experts and growers will also be on hand to give hints, tips and advice.
Throughout the show extensive shopping opportunities bring together a collection of products of a quality and distinction associated with the RHS;, which means no-one goes home from Tatton without their arms full of goodies, be it plants, gardening gadgets, or gifts for the home and garden.
The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park takes place between 18 and 22 July, with 18 July reserved for RHS members. To book tickets call 0870 842 2229 or visit www.rhs.org.uk.