Have a go at willow weaving and being a weather presenter, then head to Jodrell Bank’s interactive space exhibit at this year’s show There’s more than simply gardens at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park this year. The show has a number of features designed to inspire and educate visitors, including an interactive science hub from the nearby Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, which will explain the links between the world of physics and astronomy and the themes of the new Galaxy gardens.
In the Feast zone you can find out for yourself what it’s like to be a weather presenter at the BBC Local Radio feature. Using an autocue and special effects, try reading the weather on the big screen from the show. There are different events going on each day in the BBC Local Radio marquee, from appearances by celebrity guests to gardening clinics. For budding performers, there’s the chance to take part in a radio drama produced especially for the show.
If you want to find out more about traditional skills, and even have a go, in the Grow zone you can enjoy Twigtwisters’ willow feature depicting Noah’s Ark complete with a life-size elephant! They will also be running short willow workshops that you can join in with throughout the day.
Willowpool Designs will be creating a Willow Wonderland using wood from one of Britain’s favourite trees. You can make an eco wish and hang a ribbon on the willow wishing tree, or join in a willow workshop and make a leaf.
Meanwhile, in the Escape zone, the Dry Stone Walling Association will be showing visitors the art of this traditional craft, which stretches back at least 3,500 years in Britain. Members of the Association’s Cheshire Branch will be demonstrating how a traditional dry stone wall is constructed and will be on hand throughout the show to answer your queries and offer advice.
Anyone looking for ideas for their own garden should head to local nursery Four Oaks Direct, who will be showing you the diverse colours, foliage styles and heights of perennial plants in their Perennial Garden. Perennial plants can be used to good effect in borders and planters in the garden, as well as in patios and courtyards. However if trees are more your thing head to I Want Trees’ feature, which gives inspiration to those wanting more privacy in their garden.
Or perhaps the landscaping skills being displayed in the Landscape Gardening Competition staged by WorldSkills UK will inspire you. Candidates will get an opportunity to show off their landscaping skills in a build scenario that is demanding and challenging, and the competition will be used to select the candidates that will go through to the WorldSkills UK National Finals in November.
Finally, the RHS National Flower Bed Competition is always guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Seven local authorities and community groups will be displaying the best in bedding at the show and each has designed a bed that draws on a theme from their local area. This year’s themes range from a celebration of Birmingham’s canals to the story of how a pit boy from Newcastle-under-Lyme became the sixth Prime Minister of Australia.
