Chris Beardshaw designs community show garden

RHS Cardiff Show is host to the first of a number of gardening displays with Groundwork, a regeneration charity, featuring at all RHS shows in 2012.

The RHS has partnered with national regeneration charity Groundwork to devise a series of show gardens, designed by landscape designer and broadcaster Chris Beardshaw.

These 'Urban Oasis' gardens, sponsored by Marks & Spencer, will demonstrate some of the most challenging urban environments where gardening, community work and good quality landscape design have brought people together.

The gardens mark the first time the RHS has worked with a partner to bring an exhibit to every RHS show this season, starting with Cardiff, a fitting tribute to celebrate Groundwork’s 30th birthday.

At Cardiff, visitors will see an environmentallly- conscious display of water channels powered by bicycle pumps, a weather station and bat boxes in this wildlife garden. The feature has been designed in consultation with local people and will be rebuilt in a Cardiff community after the Show.

Chris Beardshaw said: 'The green space around us - where we live and work - has a fundamental effect on our emotions and behaviour. It is well documented that in areas where these spaces are neglected and poorly designed we see strong evidence of social unrest.'

Sue Biggs, Director General at the RHS, added: 'We are delighted to be teaming-up with Groundwork to champion the benefits of gardening in urban communities.'