Lockdown inspires first indoor plants category at Chelsea Show
HOUSEPLANTS will be judged at the Chelsea Flower Show for the first time, after lockdown caused a flood of interest in indoor gardening.
Next year’s “houseplant studios” category will feature rooms designed to look like bathrooms, bedrooms and living rooms and will be judged on design, plant condition and overall impression.
A Royal Horticultural Society spokesman said: “The houseplant studios were introduced following the increased popularity of houseplants and to inspire visitors to the show who perhaps don’t have access to their own outside space.”
The RHS found 31 per cent of its website visitors were interested in looking for houseplants during lockdown.
The charity set up an online gardening advice hub featuring tips for small spaces, which proved immensely popular. The show, which is in the planning stages for 2021, will feature many of the same gardens that were in preparation for the cancelled event this year.
This includes one featuring the healing herbs used by Florence Nightingale, and the Yeo Valley organic garden.
However, in recognition of the toll the pandemic has taken on the people of Britain, the RHS has announced a new
category for sanctuary gardens. Contributions, themed around the idea of finding spirituality and peace in nature, are set to come from the Bible Society and the Ministry of Forestry in Finland.
In addition, new for 2021, Naomi Ferrett-cohen has designed Finding Our Way – An NHS Tribute Garden, as a space to reflect on the efforts of the thousands of people working in the health service who have been fighting the pandemic.
Helena Pettit, RHS director of gardens and shows, said: “Helping and inspiring millions of people to garden and grow for their health and wellbeing is at the heart of what we do, and as so many people have turned to gardening and experienced the positive power of plants during this unsettling
year it feels more significant than ever to see this theme highlighted across our shows next year.
“We are excited to be planning our 2021 shows and cannot wait to bring everyone together again safely next summer and celebrate all that is wonderful about gardening
“Our shows promise to be blooming with a whole host of inspiration and advice f or everyone, f rom those who have recently discovered a passion f or plants to seasoned gardeners whose l ove for gardens has been reaffirmed and who are keen to once again experience the unforgettable sights and smells on display at our RHS shows.”
SIR – Westminster City Council’s intention to reduce street performing to a handful of pitches with heavily rationed timetables (report, October 25) is surely at odds with Conservative principles.
We should be de-regulating to help get the performing arts economy going, not putting friction on one of the few ways left for musicians and other artists to earn a crust during the pandemic. Let’s use the performing arts to attract people back to high streets and bring them the joy of live performance. It helps the wider economy, impoverished artists and the nation’s mental health – all good sound Conservative principles.
Stuart Barr Founder, Out To Perform London SW9