Excitement as visitors return to RHS Flower Show

The much-loved event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

 

Enthusiastic gardeners from all over the country returned to Knutsford for a feast of flowers, food and inspiration.

An atmosphere of excitement and exuberance filled the showground as people seemed so thankful to be back together again at a big outdoor event.

 

Hand sanitisers were dotted around the site and there was plenty of room to move around as exhibitors were much more spaced out.

Visitors were encouraged to take a rapid lateral flow test before they turned up to keep everyone safe.

As temperatures soared to 30 degrees, friends and families escaped to shady spots to enjoy a picnic.

 

Ice cream sellers did a roaring trade.

For a special treat, luxury £150 hampers were available from Fortnum and Mason.

 

Chilled champagne and cocktails from a gin bar created a relaxing summer vibe.

Mouthwatering aromas from street food, Katsu curry and dishes from all over the world tickled tastebuds.

 

An artisan market of food and drink offered visitors the chance to find unusual things to take home.

Designer clothes, jewellery, prints, wine and toiletries were among many gifts on display by specialist traders.

 

Show gardens were bursting with inspiration as unusual planting combinations and colours were put together.

Freddie Strickland, 27, won the 2021 Young Designer of the Year and a gold medal for his showpiece inspired by Cornwall's sub-tropical gardens.

His On Tropic design replaced traditional plants with a tropical palette, including tiny orange chillis, that thrive in our warming climate.

 

James Sinclair, head of RHS judging, said: "It's always a privilege to judge the Young Designer Gardens. This year the quality was outstanding.

"Freddie Strickland's garden was a breath of fresh air and showed an innovative use of planting, showing us what can be possible in a changing world."

Growers also pushed the boundaries as they presented prized specimens of fruits and vegetables.

 

Two Knutsford competitors celebrated success. Anna Hart won first prize for an incredible trug of five different gooseberries and Jim Hart came top with his Hawke's Champagne rhubarb.

 

Stunning blooms and plants on show in the floral marquee followed months of meticulous attention and painstaking precision by exhibitors.

Gardeners were delighted to be able to ask growers for practical tips and advice.

 

Talks and demonstrations by experts also gave visitors the chance to pick up useful information.

Jonathan Moseley, the floral expert from BBC TV's Big Allotments, was one of many guests sharing their expertise as he demonstrated in the flower school.

Small back to back gardens showed people how to make the most of small spaces.

Canadian event company Fleur des Villes made its debut at the show inspiring talented local florists to create a spectacular display of uniquely dressed mannequins.

 

Each model was exquisitely dressed in a gown made from hundreds of cut flowers, all supporting Breast Cancer Research.

The show runs until Sunday.

For tickets visit rhs.org.uk