Visitors could explore interactive displays in the Great Pavilion to discover the practices that can help combat climate change
The Discovery Zone returned to the Great Pavilion at the 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower Show (24–28 May 2022), sponsored by The Newt in Somerset, with a focus on sustainable solutions through planet-friendly gardening.
Interactive displays explored and highlighted the practices that support plant health and biodiversity, detailing the many ways plants and gardening can help to protect and restore the natural world. Seed saving, crop rotation and carbon offsetting were among the themes being brought to life, as visitors were encouraged to consider what they can do to combat climate change and mitigate its effects in their outdoor spaces.
Reducing flood risk
Exhibits from London Fire Brigade as well as Dalefoot Composts and Eden Project
showed how small changes can help negate the bigger issues causing everyday problems. Permeable paving and extra planting were highlighted by London Fire Brigade as ways of reducing the risk of flooding in our homes with a dramatic exhibit that includes a partially submerged car. Dalefoot Composts and Eden Project meanwhile showed how swapping to peat-free compost protects peat bogs which are important carbon stores.
Rotating crops
For those growing their own fruit and vegetables, Grow Your Garden by Celeste Mueth demonstrated how crop rotation improves soil and plant health, and OmVed Gardens – Saving Seed focuses on the protection of seed diversity to strengthen food systems.
Carbon offsetting
Exhibits from Forest Carbon and the Animal and Plant Health – Don't Risk It! highlighted how the environment can be protected by carbon offsetting through nature restoration and how reducing plant movement protects against plant pests and diseases.
Helena Pettit, RHS Director of Gardens & Shows said: “The Discovery Zone brings the science of horticulture to life and many of the 2022 exhibits highlighted the different planet-friendly practices that can help combat the current climate crisis. They perfectly demonstrated how enthusiasts and professional gardeners alike can support the environment through adopting simple changes and practices.”
Not to be missed
Other exhibitors lining up in the Discovery Zone included: Plant Heritage – What's Your Plant Passion?; Sparsholt College – Home from Home; Bees for Development – Hives For Lives, Making Life Better With Bees; The Blue Tangerine Federation – Plant Magic; and Bumblebee Conservation Trust – Bee Kind: Creating Space for Bumblebees.
Learn more about these fantastic displays
The Discovery Zone joined the nurseries and growers and the new All About Plants category in the Great Pavilion to form a hub for all things plants.
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