RHS Young Designer

Finalists announced for 2020

The RHS has revealed the budding young designers taking part in this year’s RHS Young Designer of the Year Competition at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, 22-26 July.

Known for launching the careers of many young designers, this year's competition welcomes four finalists who, in the face of environmental challenges, will use the show as a platform to raise awareness of important green issues including climate change, consumerism and wildlife conservation.

Four designs that focus on environment

Gemma Lake, Show Manager at RHS Tatton Park said; ‘We have four very talented finalists in the competition this year and I can’t wait to see their designs come to life at the show. It is very encouraging to see so many of them using the show as a platform to highlight their environmental concerns and I hope they inspire a new generation of climate warriors to embark on a career in horticulture.’

Feeling tropical in Devon

 

Shining a light on the impact of climate change, Freddie Strickland, 26, brings a subtropical garden typically found in Devon and Cornwall to Tatton Park as he predicts what gardens in the North West will look like as a result of global warming. His garden On Tropic imagines an exotic English Garden, where traditional plants used today are replaced with a tropical palette more adaptable to the unpredictability of our rapidly warming climate.

Challenging our consumer culture

Maximillian Parker-Smith, 26, challenges our consumer culture which is having a damaging impact on the natural world. His sustainable, minimalist garden Maximillian's Light Touch Garden puts plants and nature at the centre of the design and balances the needs of the planet and people. The beautiful, functional garden features a variety of sustainable materials to support the natural world rather than being detrimental to it.

Coastal combinations

This year’s youngest designer Oliver Rutman, 21, is creating an intimate Coastal Escape. Taking inspiration from coastal landscapes, the garden will feature plants associated with the UK’s coastline alongside more unusual Mediterranean plants as it encourages visitors to be more adventurous in their planting combinations. The use of locally sourced, reclaimed materials and wildlife-friendly planting will also highlight the importance of reducing our environmental impact.

International influence

For the first time, the competition’s reputation as a platform for rising stars in horticulture has attracted an international designer.  Emilie Bausager, 27, from Denmark aims to inspire visitors to adopt a greener lifestyle by opting to travel by bike or public transport. With Shooting Star Children's Hospices: Rehearse Garden she transforms an imagined driveway into a green oasis for all members of the family.  After the show the garden will be rebuilt at the Shooting Star Children's Hospice in Hampton for children and their families to enjoy.

Find out what else in happening at this year's exciting show