Blooming marvellous

The RHS Flower Show returns to Bute Park next week – taking place from FridayApril 7 to 9. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Cardiff Castle, the show never disappoints. Regulars visitors will be familiar with the vast array of things to see and do b

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Cardiff is the first show of the RHS calendar and every year the show’s organisers and exhibitors pull out all the stops to ensure that spring gets off to a glorious start.

SKY HIGH

This year, the show is taking its displays to new heights with the introduction of its floral ferris wheel. For the first time, visitors will be able to take in the view of the show from above, enjoying the colourful landscape while surrounded by glorious floral displays.

LEGENDARY STATUS

This year is Wales’ Year of Legends and this year the show will be celebrating the country’s rich history of myths and legends.

The theme will be apparent show-wide with everyone embracing all things magical and mystical.

The ever-creative show gardens won’t disappoint with Bridgend College’s Y Meudwyaeth, inspired by the Blackfriars monastic site and heritage, as well as Chris Myers’ homage to Blodeuwedd, based on the story of a mythical woman made from flowers who legend has it was turned into an owl as punishment for trying to murder her husband.

PLANTING THE SEEDS OF KNOWLEDGE

As usual, there will be a full schedule of talks and seminars across the three days of the show, with something for gardeners of every ability.

Gardening Q&As, floristry demonstrations, vegetable question time and tips about how to keep your garden free from pests, are just some of the topics that will be covered in the packed timetable.

KEEPING THE KIDS ENTERTAINED

Not just for grownups, the show is packed with child-friendly activities for children of all ages.

There is den building and tree climbing, creepy crawly hunting, bug hotel workshops, and plenty to see and play with across the site.

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Two Cardiff based charities - Grow Cardiff and The Dusty Shed – are working on a display made completely by novice gardeners, containing delicious edible plants which support and attract wildlife.

Tying in with the myths and legends theme, the garden will feature a castle and peasant’s cottage made from upcycled pallets and rubbish.

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

For anyone who is interested in Bonsai trees, 74 time gold medallist, John Trott, from the Mendip Bonsai Studio will be showcasing his mature Bonsai, some of which have been growing for more than 60 years.

As well as seeing the fruits of his labour, guests to the show will be able to attend his practical bonsai workshops where he will teach visitors horticultural practices relevant to growing, styling and maintaining bonsai.

FIFTY SHADES OF GREEN

Visitors to the show will be able to learn more about RHS’s latest campaign – Greening Grey Britain. Gardens play a crucial role in urban and suburban areas, and potentially will become even more important in the future as our climate changes.

From helping protect us against flooding and extremes of temperature, to supporting wildlife and helping gardeners to be healthy, gardens can provide an amazing range of benefits.

The phrase ‘greening’ simply means growing plants wherever possible in towns and cities.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

This might be a celebration of all things floral but there is also a real food festival vibe to the show.

Treat yourself to an exciting range of the finest, award-winning food from local producers and be sure to have a taste of something new from their selection of fabulous flavours.

Alternatively, pack a picnic, bring a blanket and find a spot to enjoy all the comings and goings.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM

The Museum of Wales will be back at this year’s event, telling the story of the diversity of Welsh woodlands both historically and today.

The Museum holds huge collections of plant fossils that are hundreds of millions years old and will be giving people the opportunity to try your hand at fossil hunting.

DAFFODILS

Regulars to the show will already be familiar with Ron Scamp, RHS Cardiff’s champion daffodil grower.

He might be from Cornwall but this Englishman is world renowned for his knack with this Welsh stalwart. He comes from a long line of daffodil growers and decided to turn ‘pro’ in 1991. Since then he has won more gold medals than you can count and produces 2,500 varieties of daffodils, including several of his own creations named after some of Wales’ most famous sons and daughters, including Katherine Jenkins, Alex Jones and Duffy who

inspired the ‘Duffydil’.

PEACE OF MIND

As well as being good for your physical well-being, gardening is great for your mental health. For people keen to try gardening for its mindfulness benefits, there will be plenty of people on site who can offer practical advice to get you started.

THIRTEEN LUCKY FOR SOME

There are several exhibitors who displayed in Cardiff in 2005 and are back for their 13th show. As well as Ron Scamp and Mendip Bonsai, others like Cooks Garden Centre, Pennard Plants and Harts Nursery make sure that they never miss their annual jaunt to Cardiff.