Thousands of visitors descended on the Badminton Estate on Wednesday as the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show officially opened its gates for the first time.
The five-day event marks a major new addition to the Royal Horticultural Society’s calendar, transforming the historic South Gloucestershire estate into a showcase of award-winning gardens, floral displays, expert talks and horticultural inspiration.
The Badminton Estate has been home to the Dukes of Beaufort for generations and boasts a rich horticultural heritage, making it a fitting venue for the RHS’s newest flower show. Visitors were treated to spectacular show gardens, plant displays, shopping, food and drink, and live demonstrations as the landmark event got underway.
Temperatures soared as crowds were treated to spectacular show gardens, shopping malls, and specialist talks with celebrity gardeners like Rachel de Thame, Joe Swift and Arit Anderson, hosted by BBC presenter Kate Clark.
Highlights from the showground included The Archers 75th Anniversary Garden designed by Jo Thompson, which feels like you’re entering the front garden of Bridge Farm in the fictional village of Ambridge.
Representing Stroud and the Five Valleys was the Ruskin Mill Trust – Artisan Woodland Craft Garden designed by Rachel Austin from Nailsworth, and built by Daniel Hoyle. Rachel has taken inspiration from the Ruskin Mill valley and the beautiful gardens and fishpond on the edge of woodland;
“I wanted to incorporate some things that people can take home and recreate in their own gardens. A lot of the students’ work can be seen here, like the stools and baskets. We couldn’t have done this without the support of so many people including over 30 volunteers.”
The design was awarded a gold medal and won best Artisan Garden which was presented by RHS Director General, Clare Masterson CBE.
Schools and gardening groups were invited to create a miniature growing space in a wheelbarrow, along the theme of Live, Love, Local. Ingredients for Sail was submitted on behalf of The Quay, All Things SEN at Sharpness Docks
Mother and daughter Pam and Joanne Evans made the trip from Newport in South Wales, saying, “We love all of it! We missed Chelsea this year and this is only 40 minutes down the road for us!”
RHS Badminton concludes on Sunday 12th July. For more information go to rhs.org.uk
