From the quintessentially English to the tropical Australian, via Japan and Lesotho, Sandy Felton takes a look at the Centenary RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
For the RHS Centenary Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by M&G Investments, it was no different. How does a flower show which has built a global reputation for horticultural excellence do even better? Perhaps the record breaking number of gold medals might be an indication - 92 exhibits this year - or the fact that for the first time 10 Show Gardens have been awarded RHS Gold Medals.
Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) was one of the most influential garden designers of all time, whose impact on the art of gardening is still evident around the world today. A new exhibition of her life and work, currently being run at The Lightbox gallery and museum in Woking, Surrey, explores her multi-talents as a writer, interior and applied arts designer, embroiderer, botanist, herbalist and garden designer.The exhibition is supported by Squire's Garden Centres, the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and Replica Plants and runs until 8th September 2013.
Jekyll was born into an upper-middle-class family in 1843, as a result of which she came into contact with the steady flow of eminent visitors from the worlds of art and science.
Our guest reviewer Susie White takes a look at 'The Gardens of England: Treasures of the National Gardens Scheme' and finds much of interest.
The world class alternative floral art show is back, this year celebrating the RHS Chelsea Flower Show's Centenary year. Chelsea in Bloom, now in its 8th year, will be taking a retrospective look at Chelsea through the ages, commemorating the area with stunning floral displays.
The retailers of the royal borough will once again compete to create the most imaginative and creative construction, formed entirely from fresh flowers and plants.
In an exclusive interview with Reckless Gardener, Professor Nigel Dunnett, looks at the advantages of creating a rooftop garden, from the health benefits of exposure to wildlife and green spaces to the efficient drainage of rainwater. (Pictured left, the Royal Bank of Canada Blue Water Roof Garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013.)
Nigel Dunnett is Professor of Planting Design and Vegetation Technology and Director of The Green Roof Centre, University of Sheffield. He returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year for the third year in a row with an urban rooftop garden designed for the Royal Bank of Canada in association with the Landscape Agency. He was one of the principal consultants, with Professor James Hitchmough, on the London Olympic Park and its transition into the Queen Elizabeth Park. He is the author of several books including "Small Green Roofs" (Timber Press 2011) and writes widely for the horticultural and gardening press.
The highlight of the north's gardening calendar, RHS Tatton Park Flower Show returns this year from 25th July to 28th July, in the stunning Cheshire countryside. Pioneering and innovative gardens will combine with food, shopping and crafts to make this a perfect summer outing for all the family.This year RHS Tatton takes on a new look which will see the show split up into four distinct zones - Grow, Inspire, Escape and Feast - each themed zone making it easier for visitors to browse and navigate the showground.
There's an exciting new look to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show for 2013 with the introduction of themed zones to create different moods for visitors to enjoy. The new zones - Grow, Escape and Inspire - have been planned to help visitors to navigate their way more easily through the diverse range of exhibits and with such a large site as Hampton Court - 34 acre showground - this is a welcome change.
