Show highlights
2012 highlights include the launch of new Young School Gardener of the Year and exciting exhibits in the Floral Marquee.
Lucinda Costello Show manager
Monday, February 27, 2012
New additions to a popular format should ensure bumper crowds again at this year's 2012 RHS Show Cardiff, the first in the season of RHS shows.
The first National Gardening Week, the RHS's bid to get the nation growing, runs from 16 April with the finale at the show from 20-22 April.
Gardeners of the future are encouraged with the launch of both a new Campaign for School Gardening and a nationwide search to find the best young grower who will become the first Young School Gardener of the Year, while the popular Schools Wheelbarrow Competition demonstrates imaginative small planting schemes from pupils in South Wales.
Chris Beardshaw promotes urban gardening
Landscape designer and broadcaster Chris Beardshaw has been seeking inspiration from community gardens in Wales and will be creating different features at every RHS show this season, in partnership with regeneration charity Groundwork, to show the importance of gardening and green spaces in urban environments.
At RHS Show Cardiff you will see a wildlife garden with an environmental conscience; water channels powered by bicycle pumps, a weather station and bat boxes. The feature has been designed in consultation with local people and will be rebuilt in a Cardiff community after the show.
Floral Marquee
More floral marquee exhibitors than ever will be creating a spring spectacle in two marquees, including a golden daffodil display from Ron Scamp, Best Floral Exhibitor at the show for the past six years.
Add to this a Spring allotment area by Pennard Plants - a hub of Grow Your Own advice, practical demos and a range of fruit trees for sale - and the ever popular mix of show gardens, tradestands, farmers' and craft markets, and you've got a show to look forward to.
Other highlights to watch out for include:
- Floral rickshaws: Tour the show in style on this novel form of transport. The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies will be decorating each cycle rickshaw in glorious spring style. Hop on board!
- Talks Theatre programme featuring well-known gardening names
- Bandstand events including live music
- Interactive Labyrinth feature by broadcaster and journalist Lynne Allbutt
- Food Court: Tickle your tastebuds – RHS Show Cardiff welcomes in new food options for visitors in 2012 with the well-regarded Pie Minister among those offering their wares.