RHS Flower Show Tatton Park
Renowned for its pioneering and innovative gardens and ideas, RHS Flower Show Tatton Park is the highlight of the North of England's gardening calendar. The 2011 Show will feature Visionary Gardens, Show Gardens, the RHS National Flowerbed Competition, Football Gardens, the announcement of the Young Designer of the Year, the Floral Design Studio, a regional food market and much more.
Especially exciting will be the announcement of the RHS Young Designer of the Year on Wednesday 20 July. The three finalists for this year's award will be announced at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May and will then each be granted £12,000 to make their designs into a reality at Tatton in July. Judges will face a tough decision choosing from these talented under-28s.
This year's Visionary Gardens will bring together art and horticulture to challenge traditional ideas of garden design. Drawing upon a diverse range of global issues, subjects include the Rwandan Refugees' flight to freedom; the portrayal of women in society and the battle against HIV.
Also on display will be entries for the RHS National Flower Bed Competition, ahead of the judging taking place at the Show. Presenting a range of flower beds by designers from around the country, visitors will be intrigued to see trains, Victorian beach huts and even the Blackpool Tower as integral parts of the flowerbeds on display.
Those more interested in 'offside' than 'orchids' will be delighted to discover a collection of gardens inspired by the Premier League Football Clubs of the North West. Green-fingered footie fans may struggle to decide between siding with their team or a rival's when they see these wonderful creations.
Visitors in search of culinary inspiration should head for the regional food market which will showcase delicious produce from the local area. In addition to this, Fortnum & Mason Michelin-starred Chef Shaun Hill will select the finest ingredients available at the market and incorporate them into his menu on offer at the restaurant in the Fortnum & Mason Marquee.
Garden designers of the future will also display their expertise with this year's School Gardens. Based around a theme of 'Countries of the World', 28 local schools will create gardens - each representing a different country. Local primary schools will also be encouraged to enter the 'Beautiful Butterflies & Busy Bees' Containers Competition. Containers will be on display for the duration of the Show with visitors voting for their favourite across the five days.
New for 2011 will be the Ladies' Day taking place on Thursday 21 July. Featuring talks, fashion, demonstrations and cocktails, this promises to be a great day out.
From football to fashion and flower beds to food markets; this year's RHS Flower Show Tatton Park will be the most exciting yet. Guaranteed to be the hottest ticket in the North West this July and a wonderful day out for all the family.
THIS YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS:
Football Club Gardens
The North West is home to some of the best football clubs in the world. To celebrate this, RHS Flower Show Tatton Park will present four gardens all inspired by the region's football clubs. Each garden will focus on a different club and will draw on everything from the club colours or its history to the architecture of the ground and a fan's dream.
Visionary Gardens
These gardens bridge the gap between garden design and art and will challenge traditional ideas of garden design. Taking inspiration from diverse global issues, the visionary gardens promise to be simultaneously striking and thought-provoking.
Show Gardens
Showcasing both traditional and modern garden design, the Show Gardens provide inspiration for gardeners of all levels as well as showcasing talent from around the UK. Of particular interest at this year's Show will be the HM Prison Everthorpe 'Save A Life Drop A Knife' garden which highlights the issues of knife crime as well as engaging with both victims and assailants.
Back to Back Gardens
Amongst this year's Back to Back Gardens will be the stunning contribution from The Grosvenor Estate with their 'Painting with Plants' garden inspired by Matisse. Gold medal winner (2009) David Dixon of Greenvision Garden Design will be adding a contemporary garden to the Show with his 'Minimal Impact' design.
Young Designer of the Year
The RHS Young Designer of the Year will be announced at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park on Wednesday 20 July. The three finalists for this year will be announced at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. The three designers (all under-28) will then be granted financial backing to enable them to bring their designs to life at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in July.
Allotment feature
The Association of Manchester Allotment Societies will produce an inspirational allotment for this year's Show. 'The Pied Piper's Magical Garden of Herbs, Fruit, Flowers and Vegetables' will encourage children and adults alike to get their hands dirty. Everyone will be encouraged to sow seeds, plant vegetables and generally enjoy being 'hands on' in the garden.
'Front to Front' School Gardens
'Countries of the World' will be the theme for this year's 28 local schools presenting gardens at the Show. The children will be involved in the planning, growing and building stages of the gardens.
Cheshire Schools Growing Competition
Cheshire primary schools will be producing their very own 'Beautiful Butterflies & Busy Bees' containers to be exhibited at the Show. There will be the opportunity for visitors to vote for their favourite during the show week.
Floral Marquee
The Floral Marquee will exhibit a diverse range of local and nationwide specialist nurseries including 2010 Gold Medal Winners.
RHS National Flower Bed Competition
A favourite attraction, this competition, which is open to local authorities, communities and colleges across the country, interests both the keen gardener and social visitor, young and old alike.
Floral Design Studio
Visitors will be able to watch a series of competitions in action organized by the BFA in the BFA & Floral Design Studio and also pick up tips and advice from floristry demonstrations.
Horticultural Arts and Crafts Pavilion
Dedicated to arts and crafts inspired by (or made from) horticulture, there will be a wide range and variety of crafts on display, perfect for those looking to treat themselves.
Ladies Day
On Thursday 21 July, RHS Flower Show Tatton Park will host its first Ladies Day to include a range of exciting events, including guest speakers, a fashion show and a cocktail evening.
Regional Food Market
The regional food market will showcase delicious regional produce from around the North West
Article posted on 19 Mar 2011.