Africa Arrives in Tatton!
Description
This year’s RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park is set to be influenced by the stunning flora of the African continent. Designers have taken inspiration from the dramatic landscape and exotic nature of Africa and are planning to create some spectacular gardens.
Former RHS Gold and Silver Medal winners Louise Ward and Lucy Hunter have joined forces to create an Art Deco-style show garden inspired by the multi Academy Award winning film ‘Out of Africa’. The film is set in 1914, the year that the Art Deco influence, famed for its eclectic style and use of primitive arts from Africa and Egypt, really began to take hold.
Photo attached shows from left to right Sam Youd, Head Gardener at Tatton Park, Lucy Hunter and Louise Ward (Silver and Gold Medal Winners at last year’s show).
An elevated tree house with a dramatic light cascading water curtain falling into a plunge pool forms the centrepiece of the garden, with the falling water providing a feeling of seclusion for swimmers under the house. The experience of a secluded luxurious getaway in an exotic far off land is created with lush planting and a woodland canopy surrounding the garden.
Meanwhile Tatton Park’s head gardener Sam Youd has teamed up with Egerton School in Knutsford to develop another African inspired garden. Named ‘Into Africa’ this garden takes inspiration from a school in Kenya.
The aim is to recreate an African school garden using a Masai theme, expressed through shields, spears and an African Hut. The planting will include traditional African staples such as maize and tomatoes.
Alison Hooper, head teacher at Egerton School, says: “By getting involved in the show we are hoping to build relationships between the two schools and educate the children about other countries and cultures. They will also gain a valuable experience and learn about gardening and horticulture, as they will be helping to put the garden together, and have already made some wicker African animals for the garden.”
The African school is part of former Tatton Park owner Lord Egerton’s estate in Kenya. Many of the plants have been brought in from Africa and will even include the Lord’s favourite roses.
In its eighth year, the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park is renowned for its avant-garde designs and fresh, young talent. 2006 will see the usual high standard of both traditional and contemporary gardens displayed.
Don’t forget you can now buy your tickets for the RHS Tatton Flower Show online at www.rhs.org.uk/flowershows
