Covid and saving the planet are reflected in RHS flower show at Tatton Park

THE NEXT generation of garden creators draw inspiration from the events of recent years in a bid to claim the RHS Young Designer of the Year at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in Cheshire.

Rising sea levels, long Covid and carbon footprinting are some of the topics tackled in the designs of the five finalists, all under 28. Tom Clarke, 22, from North Yorkshire, uses palms and cypress trees to evoke the spirit of Morocco and create a peaceful sanctuary in Paradise Found.

Will Scholey, 26, from London, has designed the ideal workfrom-home environment to promote a carbon-negative commute to work. Naturalistic planting leads to a modern garden office and uses sustainable hard landscaping to help reduce the user’s carbon footprint.

Looking to provide healing and calming sanctuaries in hospitals, Rachel Platt, 25, of Buckinghamshire, and Alex Pettit, 26, of Northamptonshire, have designed spaces to aid recovery and stress relief for patients and NHS staff.

Ms Platt’s The Covid Recovery Garden features air-purifying and remedial plants to create a restorative garden for those suffering from long Covid, while Mr Pettit uses a protective shelter and reflecting pool in Slow Down, Breathe Deep to provide a relaxation space for NHS staff.

Taking inspiration from her Anglo-Guyanese roots, Emma Tipping, 28, of London, uses a vibrant planting selection to create a fun atmosphere while reflecting on rising sea levels, an issue affecting both the Guyanese and British coastlines.

Lex Falleyn, show manager for Tatton Park, said: “We are really excited to see the ideas of these five young designers come to life at RHS Tatton Park this year. It’s impressive to see how they have used their garden designs to highlight global issues affecting people and the planet.

“We hope they inspire the next generation of gardeners to come and see the show.”

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park runs from July 20-24.