RHS Tatton 2019 Highlights.

RHS Tatton 2019 Highlights.

So what were the highlights of this years visit and did it meet my expectations? Even though I went on my own I had a lovely day browsing the gardens, plant stalls and displays and came away with much food for thought.

What stood out was the information available; whether you are a beginner gardener or a more experienced one. Nursery displays, plant societies and the RHS advisors were all available and approachable for advice. 

I enjoyed the Hungry Caterpillar theme which popped up in a variety of areas and different disguises.....  

As a vegetable and soft fruit gardener I enjoyed the ‘Dig In’ displays of gooseberries especially the ongoing planting conditions experiment - results look very impressive for the wool compost. And the displays of tomato variety plants - with fruit. A friend who went on the Sunday said there were tomato tastings too.  I liked The Edible allotments which included the Incredible Edible network, the Constant food garden and the Organic extravaganza.

 Schools gardens.

I enjoy going to see these as they are so creative - not only studying nature and growing plants but giving opportunity for artwork/sculpture and recycling. Many were impressive exploring the relationship between bugs and the food they eat.

 In the Floral marquee the Fuchsia Fun Fair stood out as an engaging display at the entrance and, because a friend particularly likes the scent of pinks the dianthus display. I had recently been taken to a floral demonstration where foxtail lillies were used to great effect, inspired by the display in the floral marquee - guess what I came away with…

 Arrays of beautiful Bonzai trees in the Plantsmans area plus information as how and when to repot my Orchids. Enthusiasts from different plant societies were happy to answer your questions whilst presenting great displays.

 Designed gardens:

What stood out was the use of hot colours to lift mood and celebrate life - achilleas were stunning in there abundance. The more natural than formal planting - The Baroque garden demonstrated this with the softening of the formality by the use of natural planting as did The Contemplation corner garden. The innovative wood log walls of the Very Hungry Caterpillar Garden and the 1 in 10 women garden complete with bath! How these teams achieve such well planted and naturalistic planting in what is a moveable garden is incredible. Feeling somewhat envious as my garden doesn’t seem to get much better each year. I had to remind myself that these snapshots of the plants in bloom at this time of year are built on virgin soil/compost, whereas I am still fighting a battle with weeds, although I can be remarkably on trend with my display of wildflowers. They still gave me enjoyment of seeing other people’s creativity with a living medium and there were many ideas to take away.

When I got home and we were watching RHS Tatton on television, my husband asked me if I’d seen the geodesic domes as he has a personal interest, which housed the Bug area - not this time but maybe next year….Is there room for RHS to offer a two day discounted ticket - would this be of interest I wonder?

High importance for the North-West is the new RHS Bridgewater garden which is due to open in 2020.  It will be nice to have nearer local visitable RHS gardens where I can see the development of areas throughout the seasons.

I missed many areas such as the Country Living tent, the Flower school and the Bug Hub, but I came away with lots of information leaflets, ideas, plants, sore feet and a contented heart from a good day out.

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