An exciting proposition

Have you ever been to Tatton? 

When I say Tatton I’m actually referring to one of the most exciting events (in my opinion!) in the Tatton Park calendar; the Royal Horticultural Society’s only flower show in the North of England, held every July. If you’ve been, I’m sure one of the highlights has been the wonderfully inspirational show gardens. When you’ve been gently (or even harshly) critiquing these masterpieces of horticultural excellence and divine design, have you ever stopped to wonder what goes into making them, what actually happens behind the scenes? 

Join me in this process to get a taste of the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park from behind the scenes, the highs and the lows, via the relief felt when the garden is finally built and there’s no time left to fuss and faff, and after the show is finally closed to the public and all that hard work is taken apart and loaded back onto the truck.

Last year I was approached by a chap (named Steven) who was looking for a designer to help with a submission for a garden for the Tatton Flower Show in 2013.  Steven turned out to represent Alzheimer’s Society, a most worthy charity I think you’d agree. The show garden would be sponsored on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society as part of their campaign to raise the level of their work as the UK’s leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. Luckily for him (and for me) I’m an experienced show garden designer.  For my one and only show garden (so far!) in 2008 at Tatton I was awarded a rather satisfying Silver Gilt medal. I was thrilled to be given a second opportunity to create another show garden and of course, said yes.