EXHIBITORS have put Northwich firmly on the map at this year’s RHS Tatton Park flower show, wowing visitors with striking displays.

Around 80,000 people flock to the show over the course of five days, and can this year take in the hard work of some of Northwich’s finest gardeners and designers.

Among them is Northwich-based Joanne Risley, who attended the very first show in 1999 and has this year assembled giant metal grass blades in a sculpture designed to slot into any setting.

She said: “We wanted something very architectural. It’s something that could sit in many different locations, hence the pond coming out of grasses, or a lawn.

“We started off in Northwich around 17 years ago and cast all of our own work. It’s a family venture.

“We had our own stand at the first show in 1999, and cast for other gardens as well.”

Among the key themes of the show is practical yet eye-catching displays, built to show amateur gardeners the potential in small spaces

James Youd, head gardener at Arley Hall and designer of its show garden, said: “We have taken elements of Arley, and the colour palette has been inspired by that.

“Also the undulating sweeping path and the planting is reflective of the gardens. It’s showcasing those areas of Arley where people frequently say ‘I wish I could have that in my garden’.

“It’s condensing that down and it’s realistic. For a 6x4 plot it’s pretty full. By breaking it up you have that serpentine path giving the impression of more space than there actually is."