Community gardening inspiration, take-home ideas, fun family activities, mouth-watering food and so much more
RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, set in the spectacular grounds of Tatton Park in Cheshire, returns from 19 – 23 July 2023, with lots to see and do for the whole family. Discover some of the highlights and find out how our North West flower show is celebrating summer this year.
Get involved with community gardening
Featuring three key plants: Achillea mollis, Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and Verbena bonariensis, the RHS and BBC NW Tonight Northern Star Garden brings together five different communities, each with a border conveying its own distinct message. The garden shows how horticulture can empower local communities and bring them together, and is a design collaboration between: Rochdale Mosque’s Amaani Initiative; Blackleach Allotments in Salford; Faiths4Change of Liverpool; Wigan and Leigh Hospice and Myerscough College Gardens.
Elsewhere, see the Tatton Park Neighbourhood Nursery. Visitors can stop by and share their views on how Tatton Park’s Nursery Garden should be transformed, and take a peek at what the new nursery might look like. The exhibit also showcases some of Cheshire’s top nurseries, rose growers and herb specialists.
After the show, the RHS and MEN Ginnel Garden will be relocated to Moss Side, Manchester and designer Jason Williams will mentor the locals to make sure their new shared garden thrives.
Pocket planting
Practical gardening inspiration is at the core of this year’s show and the Pocket Planting displays are a fantastic example of this. As you walk around the show, look out for these six square beds, designed by Dave Green, Clive Scott and Katherine Toye, which offer plenty of take-home ideas. Each bed considers the right plants for different planting conditions, and shows what can be achieved in a small space.
In the night garden
The RHS Nocturnal Pollinator Experience, designed by Sharon Hockenhull, is a wildlife haven aimed at attracting our ‘night shift’ pollinators. The garden wraps around and leads into a marquee that celebrates night moths. Walk through the garden and find out which plants and habitats support these after-dark pollinators.
The space also draws attention to the impacts of light pollution on both human health and nocturnal pollinators. Over the years, there has been an increasing awareness about the impact of device screen use, more notably blue light on human health. Humans and moths alike get disorientated by bright lights but health, wellbeing and even fertility increases in amber and red hues.
Celebrating young designers
Meet the next generation of designers at the Show. Since 2009, the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition showcases the budding talents of the newest designers coming onto the scene. Nathan Webster, Camellia Hayes and Ollie Pike are this year’s finalists.
Long borders
United by the theme of Sensory, the Long Borders are a must-see feature of the show, giving designers, gardeners and horticultural students the chance to showcase their creativity, and offer visitors inspiration. Find them opposite the Floral Marquee and be invigorated by the exciting and colourful planting, filling the senses.
Food, drink and shopping
Aside from the gorgeous gardens, RHS Tatton Park offers fabulous shopping opportunities. Brimming with blooms, the Plant Village and Floral Marquee are sure to be the perfect places to pick up some plants to take home and grow in your own garden. Specialist growers are on hand to give you expert advice and help you select the best ones for your space.
The Country Living Pavilion has so many unique products and gifts. From garden furniture to artisan liqueurs, there really is something for everyone.
Sit back and relax
All of this year’s Gardens offer us the chance to take a break from the demands of everyday life, with plenty of opportunity to rest, reflect and feel the benefits of being in and amongst nature. From spending time with family in the Balanced Garden, taking a moment for contemplation in the Macmillan Legacy Garden, Seeking Resilience Garden and Constructing Minds Garden, to sitting awhile in the J. Parker’s Chained to Tech Garden or Off the Grid without the temptation of technology.
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