RHS Tatton Park 2004

(Above) Tropical Interpretation designed by Sarah Harrison (SH Design) & Robert Walker, displayed at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2004.

There was something for everyone at the RHS Tatton Park show, held in the magnificent grounds of Cheshire Parkland. Whether your interest was in formal, contemporary or parks and gardens, the wealth of gardening talent was a joy to see and the balance was brilliantly met.

The winner of a gold medal and best in show (show gardens) was Simply William Morris, designed by Butler Landscapes Ltd and sponsored in addition by Cheshire Life and Country Garden Plant Centre.

(pictured left) Bulter Landscapes Ltd drew inspiration from the English pre-raphaelite writer and designer William Morris (1834-96). William was renowned for his textile and wall paper designs, but he also used his creative talent in his garden. Taking Morris's theory that a garden should be both beautiful and productive, Butler Landscapes Ltd tried to highlight many of Morris's design theories and incorporated a beautiful stained glass window as its centre piece. The garden proved a great favourite with the general public.

If you where looking modern and urban, Jane Mooney had the answer. (pictured left) Jane produced the show garden Movement and Style, sponsored by Diamler Chrysler UK Ltd. Combining traditional planting with a strong medal steel framework and stone structures; it was a striking garden. The garden achieved a gold medal from the RHS judges. The Allotment Garden

There was a total of 22 back to back gardens, giving a great insight in what could be produced in a small size. A great crowd favourite was Macclesfield Borough Council's The Allotment Garden. (pictured right.) The garden celebrated the life of allotments and was full of the most beautiful collection of plants, adventurous vegetables and herbs. The garden was awarded gold.

Many gardens had strong themes or messages that they wanted to relate through their designs. The Contemporary Green garden demonstrated the need for sustainable developments, with everything in their garden 'in every sense of the word' being green. While The Garden for the Visually Impaired was inspired for Mrs Pat Taylor, who asked for a garden that she could smell, touch, hear and taste. Designed by David Gibson, it was truly a garden for all senses.