Town’s talent shines through at show (From Knutsford Guardian)

RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park a success despite wind and rain

8:30am Friday 27th July 2012 in News By James Wilson

VISITORS and exhibitors braved rain and mud to enjoy this year’s RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.

More than 80,000 people visited the 500 exhibitors and 33 gardens at the show, which ran from July 18 to 22.

In its 14th year, the show did see some sunshine on Saturday and Sunday to make up for the downfalls that hindered some exhibitors’ preparation for the event earlier in the week.

Knutsford’s ‘Black Rose’ on King Street picked up a gold medal in the floral design category, while Fryer’s Roses in Knutsford celebrated its 100th birthday at the show by clinching a gold for its roses.

The firm’s show garden also won a silver gilt flora award.

Peover based Chrysanthemums Direct was awarded a gold medal while the Tatton Garden Society won a bronze flora.

Tatton Park’s entry in the show garden category, titled ‘Interplantatary Travel – A Flight of Fancy’ was handed a silver gilt medal.

It was created by head gardener Simon Tetlow and former head garderner Sam Youd. It was inspired by Tatton Park Arts Biennial 2012 Flights of Fancy which runs until September 30 and explores Tatton’s aeronautical legacy and the idea of achieving the impossible.

Simon said: “We’re delighted to receive a silver gilt for this year’s garden.

“This is a particularly rewarding team effort given the weather elements we have had to face.

“We really allowed our imaginations to take off on this one having chosen to link it with the aeronautical theme of our arts Biennial.

“Seeing and hearing how well the garden is being received is the best reward.”

And Knutsford businesses even got in the act, with Pulse of Perfumery on Princess Street and Gusto on King Street, creating impressive floral displays in honour of the show.

Springbank Flowers, a Manchester florist, created the display after Peter Murray, owner of POP, wanted to take inspiration from the show and reflect the birds nest imagery of Hermes ‘Un Jardin Sur Le Toit’ perfume.

Show fans were also treated to a very unique daisy on display.

Knutsford-based Delamere Dairy displayed its trademark yellow daisy in the form of a giant goats’ cheese sculpture.

Made from a 19.5kg block of Delamere Dairy’s medium goats’ cheese, the giant daisy featured five fun ‘daisy facts’ giving visitors the chance to learn about the daisy flower, while also getting the chance to taste the goats’ cheese.