As part of the RHS’ commitment to encouraging fresh talent from different backgrounds into a career in horticulture, RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is inviting budding designers to take their first steps in a judged category at this year’s show.
One of the highlights of RHS Hampton Park 2023 was Pocket Planting, which saw nine designers get the opportunity to create a bed on a sensory theme. For 2024 Pocket Planting returns, but with a few differences. While the Pockets will still be located outside the Floral Marquee, this time they’ll be the same size – with three different shapes for designers to choose from.
See the 2023 Sensory Pocket Planting
Inspiring resilience
This year the theme for the Pockets is Resilience, which entrants are invited to interpret in their own way.
“We want entrants to use the resilience theme as a jumping-off point”
– Natalie Gearing, Show Manager
“Last year’s Sensory Pockets showed us how imaginative our designers could be,” says Show Manager Natalie Gearing, “We had sculptures, art and water features weaving in among the planting, as every design told a different story. No two pockets were alike as they each had a personality of its own. In that spirit, we want entrants to use the resilience theme as a jumping-off point and see where their imaginations take them.”
Designer mentoring
The Pocket designers are mentored by Gold medal-winning designer Tom Massey. His 2023 RHS Hampton Court garden
The RHS Resilient Garden, and corresponding book, explored the future of sustainable garden design. It’s an area Tom is passionate about and he is looking forward to the challenge.
Tom says, “As the climate changes, designing gardens and planting schemes that are resilient and adaptable is incredibly important to ensure our gardens are sustainable and long lasting. I’m excited to see the responses to the brief, I am sure we will see many creative and exciting examples of ‘resilient’ planting design.”
The Pocket Planting category is also supported by
Hortus Loci, a peat-free nursery, who grow 80% of their plants and always prioritise UK-grown. They will be hosting unique away day for the designers at their nursery where, under Tom’s guidance, they’ll learn all about sourcing plants for their show design. Alongside this practical support is a RHS grant to help with costs.
“It’s a great way to get show experience with the added bonus of an RHS grant to help towards costs. Invaluable expert support and advice from Hortus Loci too, who have many years of experience and expertise growing for RHS shows.”
– Tom Massey
For the first time, the Pocket Planting category will be judged, and be included in the People’s Choice vote. Not only will the entrants have the opportunity of receiving a coveted RHS medal, they will also get the unique benefit of invaluable advice and feedback from the RHS Judges.
All the Planting Pockets in the 2024 show
Our Forgotten Neighbours: Growing Resilience with Food Forests designed by Marina Lindl
Strive and Thrive designed by Ssh Scapes
The Edible Garden at Berkley Castle designed by Becky Box
The Moonshadow Moth Garden designed by Sarah Mayfield
The Ripple Effect Raingarden designed by Sarah Cotterill
University of Sheffield: Beautifully Stressed Garden designed by Xun Xie, Jingwen Liu, Andrew McMaster, Awika Butnark
Wild Child Cornwall designed by Victoria Jane Cucknell
Winds of Change designed by James Miller, Marko Yau and Saachi Parasrampuria
Buglife: The B–Lines Garden designed by Hayley Herridge
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