Why the RHS Tatton Flower Show will only return in 2027

RHS Tatton is celebrating its 25th anniversary, which promises to make it an exceptional event. And as this colourful summer spectacle will only return to Cheshire in three years' time, it's a show not to be missed.

Back in 1999 when it all started, there were 12 show gardens and 16 back-to-back gardens exclusive to Tatton, along with 20 plant societies in their own specialist societies marquee. Over the years, the format has gradually evolved, marked by significant milestones such as the introduction of the RHS Young Designer of the Year in 2009. This competition remains immensely popular and has given a helping hand to many aspiring designers.

I have accumulated some great memories of shows over the years, and it's fun to look back and remember some outstanding ones in the run-up to 2024's event. I’m always drawn to feature gardens with soothing colour palettes and in 2023 The Macmillan Legacy Garden: Growing the Future Together, designed by Lynn Cordall was one of my favourites. With a restrained colour scheme of yellow, white and blue planting, interspersed by soft grasses, and seating surrounding a central water feature, it was a space for calmness and contemplation. Another thing I particularly liked was the circular shape, which meant that visitors could view from all angles.

The Macmillan Legacy Garden: Growing the future together. Designed by Lynn Cordall for last year's RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park. (Image: Neil Hepworth)

This year, Lynn is mentoring Calum Corrie from Mobberley, one of the three young designers at the show with a garden called ‘Entertaining via Nature’. Callum’s first outing to Tatton was in the Long Border category last year with ‘Picture Perfect’ featuring two large oak window frames, that he found in a skip, but which were originally located at Knutsford Train Station. It was a fantastic example of upcycling and creativity, and the planting complemented them beautifully. His entry for the Young Designer of the Year competition features a family-friendly wildlife garden with space for entertaining, alongside bug hotels, and mixed hedging and planting that will be a magnet for butterflies and pollinators. I can’t wait to see it.

Last year, the winner of the Young Designer award was Nathan Webster from Warrington, who first exhibited at Tatton as a 17-year-old in 2016. In 2023, he created a distinctive design based around off-grid living in the forest. Looking back through my images from last year, I remember being struck by the scent of the pine and with my eyes closed, I could imagine being deep in the forest. Building on this success, Nathan then created an urban forest at the inaugural RHS Urban Show at Depot Mayfield this April. This time it was an immersive experience that visitors could wander through, and listen to bird song alongside the distant sounds of the city.

Local schools are being challenged by the RHS to create a garden that celebrates changing grey landscapes into natural habitats. The creativity of young people and teachers is always amazing and a key part of the Tatton experience. The Terrace Gardens and Long Borders, popular in 2023, will also make a return. One intriguing entry in the Long Borders category is by the Winsford Allotment Site, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Their creation, 'A Gourd Time', draws inspiration from a record-breaking pumpkin grown by former plot holder Albert Palffreyman in the 1990s, which once held the British record for the heaviest pumpkin at 579 pounds.

Nadine Mansfield who has gone from a career in marketing to gardening, is one of the 2024 Career Changer of the Year Competition entrants. (Image: Tree Communications)

Of particular interest to me this year is a new RHS category – The Career Changer of the Year Competition. It strikes a chord with my experience of leaving the world of insurance, to embark on a career in garden design and highlights the benefits of moving into the horticultural sector. One of the three entrants is Nadine Mansfield from Poynton, who exchanged a 25-year career in marketing, working for some of the most well-known brands such as Manchester United, Manchester Airport, Sky TV and British Airways to embrace her love of gardening and design. Nadine’s garden is entitled ‘A Better New Build Garden’ and aims to inspire the owners of new homes to plant environmentally friendly gardens rather than resort to artificial turf. Nadine says: 'With my show garden I want to present what can be done in the new build space that is practical, aesthetically pleasing and good for wildlife. The intention is to show how a new-build garden can be a haven for people and nature alike.'

Nadine Mansfield's garden planned for RHS Tatton 2024. (Image: Nadine Mansfield)

After the announcement at the end of April, that some of the RHS shows will be going on tour to new locations after this summer, there have been mixed reactions from Cheshire locals, but on the whole, it’s been very positive. Taking the summer shows to Sheffield next year and Sandringham in 2026, will ensure the RHS can deliver the horticultural message to as many people as possible. RHS director general Clare Matterson said: 'We want to inspire current and new audiences with world-class horticulture and provide access to the UK’s best plants people to help even more people garden and grow.' It sounds good to me, and with Urban Shows to look forward to as well, I’m sure that when the RHS returns to Tatton in 2027, it will be more popular than ever.'