Show’s blooming great attractions draw crowds
THOUSANDS of people visited the first major garden celebration of the year during the weekend – RHS Flower Show Cardiff.
And as well as the chance to listen to talks from the experts and to buy plants and flowers from the market, they were able to take inspiration from the show’s gardens and floral displays.
First-time designer Millie Souter from Millie Souter Landscape Design was awarded Gold and the title of Best Show and Regenera- tion Garden and Best Construction for her Urban Regeneration Garden.
London-based Millie scooped the award with her garden in the all-new category, which champions the use of unexpected, low-cost materials.
Millie created a public garden with affordable and accessible materials at its heart.
James Alexander-Sinclair, on the RHS judging panel, said: “It’s a well-balanced and very atmospheric design that demonstrates great ambition.”
In the Floral Marquee, second-time exhibitor Millwood Plants from Devon was awarded Best Exhibit, with Andy’s Air Plants, Ottershaw Cacti and Roualeyn Fuchsias among those awarded a Gold medal.
Meanwhile, Cambridgeshire-based D’Arcy & Everest were presented with the New Design Award for their innovative and creative display of alpine succulents and small perennials in the Floral Marquee 2.
And it wasn’t just the experts who wowed visitors with their displays.
Many local schools joined in the fun with the annual wheelbarrow display competition, while the charity Grow Cardiff showcased the work of community groups across the city as part of the Grow Well project, which provides garden therapy for patients referred by their GPs.
Isla Horton, outreach and development co-ordinator for Grow Cardiff, said: “It gave them something to focus on throughout the winter and has given everyone a huge boost of confidence to see their work showcased at RHS Flower Show Cardiff.”