The RHS Hampton Court Flower Show had a star studded preview yesterday as stars of stage, screen and music visited the
world’s largest flower show.
Rock star and Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood launched the Bowel Disease UK Charity’s crowdfunding appeal as they look to raise £150,000 to study the impact of diet for those with Crohn’s Disease. Ronnie was joined by comedian Dominic Holland at the Garden for Crohn’s disease, designed by Andrew Fisher Tomlin and Dan Bowyer, it features hardy exotic plants, a pool, a fire pit and it received a coveted RHS gold medal from the judges.
Model and Actress Kelly Brook visited the Butterfly Dome where she released 100 rare butterflies into the tropical dome.
Picture shows:
Model, actress and TV Presenter Kelly Brook in the Butterfly Dome
Actress Lucy-Jo Hudson of Wild at Heart fame modelled a stunning costume created by students from the University of Huddersfield as she appeared at the Zoflora sponsored garden which is inspired by the shape, patterns and form of Lucy-Jo’s native Yorkshire.
TV Presenter Julia Bradbury appeared at the “Near Future Garden” which uses drought tolerant plants in its planting scheme suggesting this could be a typical english garden of the near future.
TV Presenter Julia Bradbury stands near her footprints on the Near Future Garden.
Another conceptual garden that got lots of attention was the “Border Control” garden which features a meadow garden within a moat and barbed wire fence with a security guard stationed by the entrance controlling the flow of visitors. This dramatic garden received and RHS Gold medal and was rated as the Best Conceptual Garden in the show.
A Security guard outside the UNHCR Border Control Garden, winner of RHS Gold and the Best Conceptual Garden.
Other visitors to the show which runs until the 10th July were slightly less famous but still got their fair share of attention. Marky a cute white “westie” ran though tunnels and paths in The Dogs Trust ” A dogs life” garden while a South African inspired garden was explored by Bamu, a beautiful African Spotted Eagle Owl.
See Marky and Bamu with some more photos here:
More about the Show
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is the world’s largest flower show boasting an eclectic mix of gardens, displays and shopping opportunities spanning over 34 acres either side of the dramatic long water with the stunning façade of the historical palace in the background.
One of the most compelling attractions at any RHS show are of course the fantastic array of gardens created by word-class designers. A t RHS Hampton the variety on offer does not disappoint, from the magnificent Show gardens to the smaller Summer gardens which charm visitors with their realistic sizes to the originality of the popular Conceptual gardens. In 2016 there will be several new garden categories; Water Gardens, Themed Gardens, City Gardens and Floral Meadows & Market Gardens so the show is set to be awash with gardening inspiration in many different forms.
There are always many highlights at the show and there is much that will appeal to both the serious gardener as well as non-gardening champions from the gardening tools, sculptures, furniture and more on offer from the Trade stands to the best, newest, finest and most unusual and colourful blooms and foliage imaginable in the different marquees all available to purchase.
As well as a having a horticultural focus, the show also features the popular cookery theatre with celebrity chefs giving demonstrations and talks throughout the week. The RHS Hub, brings families and communities together, featuring a Village Green, complete with bandstand, food stalls and a themed activity area full of seed sowing and cutting activities. For younger visitors, the popular Scarecrow Competition features imaginative twists to traditional scarecrow designs by infant and primary schools across the South East. There is something for the whole family and children under 16 get in for free.
The annual Preview Evening opens the show, taking place on Monday 4 July from 5 to 10:30pm. Visitors can spend time listening to live music with friends and family while viewing the beautiful gardens and floral displays, before tucking into a picnic or a meal in one of the restaurants. The perfect finish to the evening is a magnificent fireworks display.
A short train journey from London the show is a great day out in the country for those looking to escape the city and spend the day amongst the blooms.
For further information or to buy tickets, please visit the RHS website at www.rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt