Show Gardens
Every year BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the RHS bring an exciting collection of Show Gardens to life in a celebration of how imagination and creativity can transform any type of outdoor space. A central focus of the show, these gardens reflect current trends and design ideas covering a diverse range of themes. Displaying excellence in horticulture and design, Show Gardens provide theatre and inspiration and are always a firm visitor favourite.
Gardens included:
Hay Time from Chris Myers Design
In front of a woodland backdrop a pretty little Yorkshire Dales Hay Meadow sits in front of an iconic Dales barn. This collection of wild and native plants replicates this picturesque place that any visitor to the show would love to visit. Designed to promote the wild flower meadows of Yorkshire and the work Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is doing to preserve and create them through their ‘Hay Time’ appeal. This was more of a picture postcard than a garden.
Wrapped up in Willow and Water by designer Anja van der Zwart, Bridgewater College, and Bournemouth University
This garden was inspired by the beautiful dynamic nature of the Somerset Levels, governed by water, and the sustainable willow craft it supports. Enticing anyone to relax, enjoy the wildlife and connect with nature, it celebrated the contrast of the landscape; the protruding mounds, like the iconic Glastonbury Tor with the characteristic flat wetland areas surrounding them.
The Austerity Garden by Jade Goto & Armando Raish
Reflecting the current economic climate, the concept behind the Austerity Garden was high design on a low budget. In being innovative with affordable materials the garden showcased creative design solutions. Rather than disguising these materials, their raw and industrial qualities were celebrated.
RHS Floral Marquee
ClematisWith more than 100 nurseries brought together in a riot of colour and scent, the RHS Floral Marquee is the ultimate destination for all gardeners and plant lovers. From orchids to lilies, dianthus to alliums, it’s always a spectacular sight packed with award-winning nurseries and displays.
All the nurseries sell a wide range of plants at the show from old favourites to new introductions, so you can purchase plants from the best growers in the country and get their advice on keeping your purchases in tip top condition all year long.
Some of the RHS Floral Marquee exhibitors have exhibited at the show since its launch back in 1993.
RHS Plant Village
The RHS Plant Village is found in the outdoor area of the Show where you can explore even more nurseries and plant growers. Delve among a wealth of plants and take home a little bit of the show to your own garden.
Birmingham Borders
These exhibits provide an opportunity for horticultural students and budding gardeners to experience the design, planning and build of a horticultural exhibit in a show environment.
The designers for 2013 were;
- Susan Mallet – Smoke and Mirrors- through the looking glass
- Ben Corah – Surrender
- Harry Ward – No Ball Games
- Anna & John Harrison – Don’t worry BEE happy
- Elspeth Stockwell – Beating the Doldrums
- Craig T Bailey – Detract
- Steven Ballinger – There’s Sense in That
- Jane Seabrooke, June Feehan and Margaret Dobbs – The Secret Gardener
- Kerry Barehead – Upsy Daisy
- Pat Longstaff – Everything Stops for Tea
- Bethany Wozniak – Peter Rabbit Runs Amuck in Beatrice Potter’s Garden
- Horticultural Students at Kings Heath Park – Light the blue touch paper
Edible Patches
EdiblesAllotmenteers competed to create the most attractive and productive patch, with a visitor vote deciding the overall winner.
2013 displays included;
Celebrate – National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
Designed to represent a wedding cake with three tiers, this patch created height and more space for vegetables and companion plants which invite bees, butterflies and hoverflies. Companion plants also prevent blackfly on vegetables and fruit.
Pretty and Productive – National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
A cake-style patch producing family friendly crops with companion planting to invite insects that will work with the gardener to protect crops from pests and diseases.
Feast Your Eyes on – Active Eyes Garden Group
The eye design of the plot signifies that it was designed and grown by blind and partially sighted gardeners. Incorporated into the design were the methods our visually impaired gardeners use to navigate safely around the bed using smell, noise, touch, movement and colour.
Growing Together – North Warwickshire Allotment Federation
Surrounding the planters are companion plants chosen for their beneficial qualities – flowers to attract pollinating insects, plants to repel pests, plants to capture and release vital nutrients.
My Little Ray of Sunshine – Warstock Lane Allotments
This patch would provide fruit and vegetables throughout the seasons, with beneficial aspects brought in when using herbs and flowers as well. Different heights, shapes, sizes, shades, fragrances and textures are beneficial to health.
Source: RHS – RHS Flower Show Birmingham at BBC Gardeners’ World Live
