Young talent triumphs at RHS Tatton

The RHS Flower Show Tatton Park has a reputation for nurturing new talent and there is a lengthening list of young people who have established or launched their careers as a result of exhibiting here, writes Sandy Felton.

The 19th Show (19th – 23rd July 2017) has once again demonstrated the talent of our young aspiring horticulturists, many of whose predecessors have gone on to establish successful careers after showcasing their talent and skills at the Show.

With three finalists in the Young Designer Competition, the RHS Young Landscape Contractor and the RHS Young Planting Designer competition, there is certainly plenty of scope for talent to shine.

The three finalists in the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition had the brief of designing a home-office garden and their three interpretations of the brief certainly delighted show visitors.

The winner of the coveted title in this category for 2017 is Ula Maria, with her design – ‘Studio Unwired‘ (Gold). This contemporary outdoor hot-desk office for an urban setting certainly ticked the boxes. With distinct working spaces set between a medley of pine trees, it offered functionality with relaxation. Ula took her inspiration from the Baltic landscape of her childhood and cleverly incorporated stylized dunes filled with a palette of flowers.(pictured banner above – below, Ula on her garden.)

Certainly a garden I would be happy to work in. Ula said she was incredibly proud to have taken part in the competition: “It has been such an exciting and inspirational experience to have the opportunity to do what you really love. I still can’t believe it and I’m so thankful to everyone who helped with the garden,” she said.

Anca Panait, who started her journey as a landscape architect in Bucharest, designed ‘Prospect & Refuge‘ (Silver-Gilt) Offering observation and views (prospect) while providing protection, privacy and warmth (refuge) the garden is defined by timber furniture, working desks and a two-tier seating and anti-slip decking. An attractive space with a really special feel. (pictured above)

Jake Curley perfectly blended grasses and flowers for his planting scheme on ‘Business and Pleasure‘ (Gold), an urban office garden with naturalistic prairie-style planting contained in a contemporary design setting (pictured above). Another space that you feel you really want to be in with its natural planting style inspired from the High Line in New York.

In the RHS Young Landscape Contractor (supported by BALI) and the RHS Young Planting Designer 2017 competitions, the challenge is for a Young Landscape Contractor and Young Planting Designer to work together to deliver a garden showcasing their skills. Success this year went to Elliott Hood for Young Landscape Contractor and Ben Poulter for Young Planting Designer for their retreat garden (pictured above) ‘Chaos to Coastline Coastal Garden‘ (Gold).

Giulio Passarelli (Young Planting Designer) and Karl Crowe (Young Landscape Contractor) were awarded a Bronze for their garden ‘Let ‘em Grow‘ Urban Retreat (pictured above)while Anna Rhodes (Young Planting Designer) and Joshua McDonnell (Young Landscape Contractor) were awarded Silver for their garden ‘Arrange: Rearrange Countryside Garden‘. (pictured below)

Congratulations to all finalists on superb designs and innovative garden design.

Photo credits: All photographs ©Reckless Gardener 2017.