Peter Scott

Royal Horticultural Society What sets Tatton apart from other shows?

Peter Scott Tatton Park is the perfect setting. The show is held on a bit of a hill which gives beautiful views that overlook the rest of the park. The time of the year is great as the weather is usually nice and warm and it’s the summer holidays. Some girls I know go every year, and will take a picnic, making it a nice day out to catch up and look around. It’s a great place for people to meet friends and to make it a family day out.

RHS What are your show highlights?

PS I think what’s really great about the show is that there’s a bit of something for everyone. I’m quite a keen gardener and I can’t wait to get to the show and look around the plant stalls - I think that’s what people really go for; those who are plantlovers definitely go for that. You see things that you don’t get to see anywhere else. It’s so popular that by lunch time a lot of the plants have sold out, so it’s good to get there early.

But the show gardens are also great for getting ideas and inspiration - when you’re walking round the show you can see people taking pictures, and discussing how they can take elements of the show garden and put it into their own garden.

But what my wife and I look forward to the most is the locality of the show. What I mean by this is the lovely fresh food which is produced locally in the area. We always go to the Country Living marquee and buy a bottle wine, some delicious pies from Melton & Mobray, and home grown tomatoes. We take it all home and enjoy it for dinner after a busy day at the show.

RHS Why should RHS members who live in the south venture to Cheshire to visit?

PS I think that Chelsea and Hampton are brilliant shows, but Tatton is a lot more laid back. The people and exhibitors are very approachable as they have time to give you advice on planting and nurturing your plants, and there are lots of opportunities to buy great plants, garden accessories and crafts. It creates a much more welcoming and inviting environment and, from talking to friends who have been to Chelsea and Hampton, they say that Tatton is their favourite show because of this.

As already mentioned I really like the locality of the show. There are gardens from the local council, the school gardens are really nice to see, and the RHS Young Designer of the Year is great as you see new talent being nurtured - these are things that you don’t get so much of at the other shows.

RHS Did you enjoy the introduction of Fortnum & Mason in 2010?

PS It was very tasty and the quality was very high - it also looks superb and gives the show a bit of class. It’s good for people that really want to make a day of the show and enjoy something a bit more luxurious.

RHS Do you feel that the show is accessible to all?

PS The show is easy to find from the M6, although what I’ve done the last couple of years is to get to the show before it opens and have breakfast in the car while we wait for the show to open. That way we avoid any traffic and can make the most of the day.

But getting round the show is relatively easy as there is a lot of space as the grounds are larger than some of the other shows.