The RHS Flower Show returns to Tatton Park in July – and visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a series of installations bringing together horticulture and creativity.
A dozen stunning gardens tackling subjects from the conceptual and practical to the spiritual to technological will feature in the show, which takes place from July 19-23.
Among the displays this year will be a blackout tent featuring close-up projections celebrating the often overlooked world of nocturnal pollinators, such as moths.
Created by immersive technology artist Georgia Tucker and designer Sharon Hockenhull, The RHS Nocturnal Pollinator Experience takes people on a day-to-night journey to watch the pollinators at work.
J. Parker’s Chained to Tech Garden, a show garden by last year’s RHS Young Designer of the Year finalist Rachel Platt, will examine tech addiction among young adults, with futuristic-style hard landscaping amid dahlias, hyssop and New Zealand flax emulating the instant gratification and euphoria that using technology provides.
Carolyn Hardern and Jon Jarvis will raise awareness of the high suicide rates among construction workers with Constructing Minds featuring a private retreat for one-to-one counselling and reflective pool before moving towards the wildflower-planted inner sanctuary.
The Macmillan Garden Legacy Garden by Lynn Cordall invites visitors to support the cancer charity with gifts in wills, which fund over a third of its services, with three six-metre tall birch trees and a metal pergola inside an unusual triangular garden which can be seen and accessed from all sides. Pip Probert’s Alfresco Garden celebrates a practical yet pretty party and entertainment space.
It will also be the first time that the Long Borders category, which was popular at the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, comes to Tatton Park. Visitors will be inspired by how participants, ranging from garden design students and budding lockdown gardeners to established designers, compete for a medal by packing an 11 sq m raised bed with creative vision and plenty of take-home ideas, all under this year’s theme, Sensory.
The popular Fruit and Veg competition returns, as does the Flower School with the National Association of Flower Arrangers and Flowers from the Farm.
A full programme of events, talks, and activities for young and old are lined up, with an extended range of catering options – including a larger Champagne village.
Helena Pettit, RHS Director of Gardens and Shows, said: “It’s fantastic to see how designers at our youngest flower show are so keen to push boundaries in the world of garden design. Tackling such a broad range of subjects, from mental health and tech addiction to modern, luxurious yet sustainable living, through horticulture, we’re demonstrating how gardening and the outdoors can both empower people while bringing calm and good health to the individual.
“Of equal delight is the fact that we’ve got such a high number of local participants this year. It’s great to see the North West catapulting the best in growing and garden design to the forefront.”
What to look forward to at this year’s Flower Show
Beautiful gardens: See incredible gardens from a unique perspective with The RHS Nocturnal Pollinator Experience, take home ideas on how to brighten up your neighbourhood from The RHS Manchester Evening News Ginnel Garden and don’t miss the brand new Terrace Gardens.
Top tips and expert advice: Hear talks from famous faces and local legends on the Main Stage, and get hands-on with demos and workshops in the Discovery Zone.
All about plants: Meet the growers in the Floral Marquee, packed with a huge range of unique plants and flowers. Stock up on everything from bulbs to bromeliads in the Plant Village, and explore colourful vibrant borders to give you inspiration for your summer gardening.
Breathtaking flowers: Learn about beautiful British flowers with demonstrations and talks from Flowers from the Farm, and check out stunning displays and installations for that perfect photo opportunity!
Home and Grown Zone: Pick up new hobbies and projects while celebrating the work of local community groups, from awesome allotments and the Summer Fruit & Veg Competition, to stargazing, bird watching and much more.
The latest trends: Discover up-and-coming design talent from our RHS Young Designer Competition and
our Long Borders, showcasing creativity, innovation and forward-thinking ideas.
Tickets for the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park (July 19-23 2023) are on sale now. Visit this page for more details.
