Preview of society’s newest show, June 6-10
RHS Chatsworth Flower Show will return to the 1,000-acre Derbyshire estate in June, with attractions including a river of 12,000 Cosmos and more than 100 varieties of orchids.
During Joseph Paxton’s time as head gardener of Chatsworth, the estate had one of the most extensive orchid collections in the UK. With this in mind, floral designer Jonathan Moseley and Double H Nurseries will create an orchid display housed in a replica of Paxton’s Great Conservatory.
More than 100 varieties of the Phalaenopsis orchid will adorn a central waterfall (read more about scented moth orchids). Suspended from the ceiling will be sculptural branches with large chandeliers dripping with mosses and tropical bromeliads, from which will hang more orchids. Read about the show’s specialist nurseries.
Chatsworth Flower Show – Virtual reality orchid experience
A virtual reality experience created by 3D expert and VR designer, Simon Mabey, alongside Manchester Museum and Manchester University, will immerse visitors further as they sit suspended among the flowers, experiencing the orchids through the eyes of an insect. For the first time at an RHS Show, a mass planting of more than 12,000 Cosmos will create a striking vision of pink in front of Chatsworth House.
The important role plants play within the city will be explored in the new Living Laboratory, showcasing some of the ways plants can help now and in the future as urban living intensifies. Plants and technology will be on display, highlighting how different varieties can help address a number of urban challenges, including pollution, flooding and food scarcity.
Show Garden highlights
Other 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. Continuing the agricultural theme, The John Deere Garden by Elspeth Stockwell and Jo Fairfax takes inspiration from farm buildings, ploughed wheat fields and natural woodland borders and will feature a circular sculpture of 100 tractors celebrating the company’s centenary year.
The history of the estate inspires, with show partner Wedgwood 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 once stood in the shadow of Chatsworth House before being removed to make way for Capability Brown’s famous landscape is the inspiration behind Brewin Dolphin’s installation, designed by Paul Hervey-Brookes.
Chatsworth Flower Show – Floral marquees and experts
Liz Patterson, RHS Chatsworth Flower Show manager, said: “We’ve been going all out in the Chatsworth Shows Team, preparing some fabulous new experiences for the 2018 Show. The Floral marquees will be bursting with top growers and nurseries, and we have a fantastic line-up of 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, plus lots more.”
Update – the RHS discontinued this show after the pandemic in 2021. For information on other shows and tickets, visit www.rhs.org.uk/flowershows.
