THE Planets, Jodrell Bank and past president Sir Bernard Lovell were the inspiration behind Tatton Garden Society’s star-gazing, award-winning display at this year’s show.

The society scooped a Silver Flora medal after impressing judges with an astronomy-themed garden, ‘Heavens Above’.

The garden was designed to reflect one of the many interests of the society’s past president, Sir Bernard Lovell, who created the Lovell radio-telescope at Jodrell Bank.

“We are delighted with our Silver Flora medal – we are keen but amateur gardeners and the RHS standards are high,” said Sally Geake, display organiser.

“We had lovely comments from visitors to the show, admiring the telescope image made by our members; the flowers representing the colour of the planets; the children’s quiz; and there has been much interest in the society.”

The Tatton Garden Society was formed in 1962 to help restore a garden within Tatton Park. On leaving the project, the society took over the care of Sir Bernard Lovell’s arboretum next to his home in Swettenham village.

The arboretum was recently renamed the Lovell Quinta Arboretum and is open to the public all year round for a small entrance fee.

Sally added: “The aim of the society is to educate and inform in a relaxed and friendly way. We meet for lectures in the Tenants’ Hall in Tatton Park and make visits to interesting gardens locally and further afield. And of course, we have the wonderful arboretum.”

For more information about Tatton Garden Society, visit tattongardensociety.org.uk.