Last week, the world’s largest annual flower show brought a burst of colour and vibrancy to Hampton Court Palace. RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, supported by Viking Cruises, was in full swing with various Show Gardens, the Rose Marquee, Floral Marquee, plant pavilions, and a variety of talks, presentations and exhibits. Wildflower Turf was featured in some of these beautiful Gardens, a few of which were presented Gold Awards.
The Viking Cruises Scandinavian Garden (Water Garden)
The award-winning Viking Cruises Scandinavian Garden was designed by Stephen Hall, and built by JDC Gardens. Sponsored by The Viking Cruises, the garden was inspired by the wild, natural beauty of the company’s heritage. A rowing boat beckons you across the water and nature is ever present in the form of sedges, ferns and grasses, while native trees and shrubs provide the backdrop. The Wildflower Turf covering the humble house exaggerates the wonderfully wild bio-diverse habitat.
Zoflora: Outstanding Natural Beauty (Show Garden)
Zoflora: Outstanding Natural Beauty, designed by Helen Elks-Smith and built by Wycliffe Landscapes, really does live up to its name. The garden, sponsored by Zoflora, was inspired by the patterns of Yorkshire; dry stone walls define a linear landscape of pastures and meadows, contrasting with gently curving waterflows. The wildflower meadow moves through the garden, meeting the back of the seating area’s enclosing dry stone wall. This beautiful garden was also awarded Best Construction Award, in addition to Gold.
UNHCR: ‘Border Control’ Garden (Conceptual Garden)
The Border Control Garden, designed by Tom Massey and John Ward, and built by Landform Consultants, highlights the plight of refugees and the risks many take to find shelter. This thought-provoking garden, sponsored by UNHCR, won Best Conceptual Garden, in addition to a Gold Award. Wildflower Border Turf is surrounded by a moat, razor wire fence and a tightly controlled gateway, signifying the struggles of reaching safety.
Shropshire Lavender: The Lavender Garden (Summer Garden)
Designed by Paula Napper, Sara Warren and Donna King. The Lavender Garden is inspired by the scent, colour and romance of lavenders grown at a dairy farm on the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. The circular walkway leads to a hut, and a sunken area gives the opportunity to take in the atmosphere, providing rehabilitation to the senses. This sensuous garden, which was built by Burnham Landscaping and sponsored by Shropshire Lavender, was another Gold Award winner to use Wildflower Turf.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.