
The RHS Tatton Flower Show launched on Wednesday this week – and by the time you read this newsletter I will be on my way to take a look. While doing big shows is amazing, it’s really nice to be going this year as a visitor.
This time last year, I had just launched the Rewilding Garden, created with Cheshire East Council. In the month run-up to the show, we cordoned off a 10x10m area of the parkland where our garden would be, and allowed wild flowers and plants to grow naturally, and based other planting around this. The whole idea was to celebrate the concept of rewilding and to show the range of plant communities that will appear naturally.
As a visitor, I love to see new and experienced garden and landscape designers bringing their creativity to these brilliant shows.
I’m looking forward to seeing the gold award winning garden called ‘Why Commute’ by designer Pip Probert (pictured above). Sponsored by Outer Spaces, the main feature is a garden home office, with brilliant planting, as well as Amelanchier and Cercis trees.
I’m also looking out for Leyland-based David Williams who won a competition to have his environmentally-friendly garden recreated at Tatton. His design is based on Paradise Park in Leyland and is based on the wildflower meadows which grew as a result of lockdown.
You can see all full details here: https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-flower-show-tatton-park/awards
Why we need more city centre trees

There has been a lot of talk on social media this week about how short-sighted city planners have been in not designing in natural ways of cooling our urban areas. Tree planting of course is the most natural way to create shade anywhere, as well as reflecting heat, creating moisture, absorbing light, filtering carbon dioxide and reducing noise pollution as well.
The not-for-profit organisation City of Trees organises a lot of urban street planting, which requires a lot more planning than planting trees in parks and forests. So far, they have planted 1612 city centre trees with lots more planned.
I spotted that Trafford Council also allows people to sponsor street trees which is a brilliant way to raising much-needed funds. It would be great to see this scheme across other authorities.
Pictured is one of the stunning purple-flowered Paulownia tomentosa trees which were planted in St Peter’s Square a few years ago in Manchester city centre.
What am I reading?

I’ve been reading about the history of Rolls Royce, which was founded in 1906 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce who were, it is said, introduced at Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Although most well-known for its classic car, the company is one of the most famous names in engineering, manufacturing aeroplane engines, firstly during the war and then moving onto manufacture civilian aeroplane engines.
The company is one of the world’s most prestigious and well-known brands, so its rise and development is a fascinating read. The brand is still synonymous with luxury and a mark of quality.