Celebrating the show’s 30th anniversary
A Countryfile Garden showcasing the diverse landscapes of Britain featured at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show to celebrate one of the BBC’s best-loved shows.
Countryfile’s 30th Anniversary Garden, designed by award-winner Ann-Marie Powell, was inspired by the British countryside and reconnecting with nature. The garden explored the concealed, yet critically important world that lives on our doorsteps and in the countryside.
The tiered landscape represents the Scottish Highlands, Yorkshire Dales and moors to North Wales, coastal areas and the streams, rivers and coast of the south and Ireland. Each area had its own stone, plant and wildlife habitat. For the Scottish Highlands, there were gabbro boulders, Scot’s pine, Vaccinium myrtillus (blaeberry), Calluna vulgaris and Ligusticum scoticum (Scot’s lovage).
Showcasing our countryside in Countryfile garden
Crataegus (hawthorn), rock rose Helianthemum nummularium and wild thyme in weathered limestone covered the dales and moors. In North Wales, woodland trees such as Fagus sylvatica (beech) featured alongside slate outcrops. Along the coast, Crambe maritima nestled alongside Crithmum maritimum and Glaucium flavum.
Executive editor of Countryfile, Bill Lyons, said: “For many people, their back garden is their very own piece of the great outdoors – a haven where home life meets wildlife. We’re grateful to the RHS and Ann-Marie for their vision in bringing the best of Britain into this one garden.”
Ann-Marie Powell said: “It was an honour and a joy to create this wonderful Countryfile Garden. I hope it encourages people to think about the diversity of plants they can grow in their own gardens.”
Show essential information
- Where: RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU.
- Tickets: 0844 995 9664 or visit rhshamptoncourtpalace.seetickets.com
