All gardens will be judged to RHS criteria and are eligible for RHS Medals.
Show Gardens
The Show Gardens are always a very popular and much visited feature of the Show. Gardens may be:
- traditional (in the sense that they could be reproduced in a domestic setting)
- theatrical (a fantasy or stage set)
- thematic (designed to convey a specific message or theme through horticulture).
The quality and variety of plant material are as critical to a garden’s success as the integrity of the design, and the quality of construction and finish.
The longest dimension on any side of a show garden is 15m (or the diameter on circular gardens.) and the minimum size is 64m2.
Back to Back Gardens
6m x 4m
These smaller gardens are normally staged in groups of four. They provide an excellent opportunity for first time exhibitors and students who may not be in a position to stage a full-scale garden. They may take the form of either a complete garden or an element of a larger garden design.
As with Show Gardens, the quantity, quality and variety of plant material are important elements of the Back to Back Gardens, together with the quality of design, construction and finish.
Visionary gardens
Minimum of 60m² and no more than 100m²
This is the opportunity for designers to unleash their imaginations, showing inspiration and foresight through garden design. There are no limits on what can be achieved in this category whether inspired by an art movement, an idea for the gardening future or using gardening as an installation medium to express an idea or concept.
Applications will be presented to the RHS Garden Selection Panel who will choose six entrants to design, build and exhibit a Visionary garden at the 2012 show. Each entrant will receive £6,000 funding from the RHS towards the total budget of their garden.
RHS National Young Designer of the Year Competition
Minimum of 60sqm and no more than 100sqm
Now in its third year, this national competition in garden design is open to applicants 28 years old and under. The competition sits at the heart of the Show’s ethos of showcasing emerging creative talent and innovative design, giving students, new and experienced designers the platform to launch their careers in the garden design and landscaping industry.
Three finalists will be selected by the RHS Garden Selection Panel and each entrant will receive £12,000 towards the budget of their garden. The winner will be announced at the Show and crowned with the title RHS National Young Designer of the Year.