The Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) newest Show, RHS Chatsworth Flower Show partnered by Wedgwood will return to the magnificent 1,000 acre Chatsworth Estate on 6-10 June.
During Joseph Paxton’s time as head gardener the Chatsworth Estate boasted one of the most extensive orchid collections in the UK. At this year’s show, floral designer Jonathan Moseley and Double H Nurseries will bring one of the UK’s largest orchid displays back to the estate, with more than 100 varieties of Phalaenopsis Orchid. A virtual reality experience created by 3D expert and VR designer, Simon Mabey, Manchester Museum and Manchester University will allow visitors to experience different orchids through the eyes of an insect.
The new Living Laboratory will highlight how plants and technology can help address urban challenges including pollution, flooding and food scarcity.
Other show highlights include Show Gardens inspired by the local landscapes including ‘The Great Outdoors Garden’ by Sheffield-based designer Phil Hirst, and a celebration of ‘Hay Time in Yorkshire’ by Chris Myers. The John Deere Garden by Elspeth Stockwell and Jo Fairfax takes inspiration from farm buildings, ploughed wheat fields and natural woodland borders.
The history of Chatsworth House provides inspiration for some of the new innovative installations at this year’s show. Show partner Wedgwood is working with Chatsworth’s Head of Gardens and Landscape, Steve Porter, and craftsman Carl Hardman of Landmark Walling, to celebrate the heritage craft of dry-stone walling. A ‘lost’ village that was removed to make way for Capability Brown’s landscape is the inspiration behind Brewin Dolphin’s installation, designed by multi-award winning designer Paul Hervey-Brookes. For the first time at an RHS Show, a mass planting of 12,000+ Cosmos will create a striking vision in front of Chatsworth House.Liz Patterson, RHS Chatsworth Flower Show Manager, says: “The Floral Marquees will be bursting with top growers and nurseries, and we have experts in the Garden and Artisan Kitchen Theatres hosting Q&A sessions, talks and demos throughout the week. Visitors will be able to get creative in the Artisan Craft Area, and we will also see the return of the popular Well Dressing competition.”
rhs.org.uk/chatsworth