Exhibitors
Lifelong Learning
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Chichester College - Brinsbury Campus
Plants for Holistic Health
The Chichester College exhibit, designed by floristry lecturer Hazel Woodman, shows how indoor plants can assist in cleaning the toxins found in the home or office. The display features a Perspex room with a model sitting at a desk wearing a gas mask and surrounded by materials that can cause damage to your health. Displayed behind will be the Top 10 Plants that are suitable in helping to clean the indoor atmosphere.
Clapton Park Management Organisation/Grass Roof Company
Clapton Park Flower Power
If you drove from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to the Clapton Park Estate in Hackney this is what you would see! The exhibit is literally a cross-section of a Clapton Park Estate green space, warts and all.
The organisers of this exhibit believe that it is time to give Clapton Park residents the opportunity to show the public their estate and how the green spaces there have become a positive symbol of where they live. They believe that the quality of green space in lower income estates should be just as inspiring as other areas. At the same time they hope to inspire other Local Authorities and Housing Association to take a fresh look at their maintenance programmes while promoting biodiversity and the reduction of herbicide use in public areas.
The Grass Roof Company has worked on the landscape design and maintenance of the estate for a number of years and owner John Little has worked hard to change the way that Clapton Park residents observe their living area. John says: “No longer railings, walls and fences, but flowers shrubs and grasses. Just waiting for a bus, while looking at poppies, cornflowers and swaying grasses, lifts the spirit.”
Key planting includes corn poppies and jasmine and John says, “I love plants, especially common ones and what they can do in urban spaces. Put poppies in front of a dull brick wall and suddenly the space makes you smile, all for 50p worth of seed.”
EM Effective Micro-organisms – Agriton BV
Natural bacteria providing us with pro-biotic healthy soil, effective anaerobic composting and new methods for increased water retention and water harvesting from grey water sources.
Helen & David Millner
The World of Restrepia
Restrepia is a small genus of orchids and their flowers are distinctive and fascinating. However, many of their unique features are not clearly visible to the naked eye. This exhibit uses close-up photography, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to allow visitors to really appreciate the beauty of these flowers.
Recent research into the pollination and post-pollination behaviour of Restrepia suggests that they are under threat. Not only are they in danger from habitat destruction, as their tropical habitats are deforested at an alarming rate, but also because they do not set viable seed by self pollination. This puts them in ‘double jeopardy’, along with other genera which show the same traits.
As research continues, hopefully enough information will be discovered to ensure the survival of these and other related orchids. The organisers hope that by putting on this exhibit they can introduce this genus to a much wider public and that more people can appreciate these unique and fascinating plants.
Historic Roses Group of the RNRS
The role of the gibberellic acid in regulating flowering in roses.
Why some roses flower more than once.
Climbing sports of recurrent-flowering roses.
South East England Development Agency
The SEEDA Garden
Some garden plants have uses beyond the decorative and aesthetic. Innovative scientific work means that we can all benefit from the products derived from plants - from marigolds for paint, to hemp for fibres and much more in between.
This garden showcases a range of plants that can be used for innovative industrial purposes. There is also hard landscaping derived from plant materials, a hemp hammock and a lavender oil fountain.
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is the Government-funded agency responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the south east of England - the driving force of the UK's economy. Its aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling our communities while safeguarding our natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage. SEEDA’s interests include furthering horticultural innovation which will help to ensuring the economic prosperity of the region.