The RHS Flower Show Cardiff took place at Bute Park this weekend. The event is a highlight of the gardening calendar and an excellent way to celebrate the arrival of spring.
There was plenty on offer; world-class floral displays, show gardens, eclectic food and drink stalls, live music and talks, as well as a fun activity area to keep the kids entertained.
The show has been held in the parklands of Cardiff Castle every year since 2005, bringing joy to thousands of nature-lovers. And this year was no different. Long may it continue.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has an exciting line-up for the RHS Flower Show Cardiff 2018 supported by wealth manager Brewin Dolphin, bringing vibrant Show Gardens, floral displays, interactive activities and brand new Regeneration Gardens to the grounds of the Welsh capital’s stunning Bute Park from 13 – 15 April.
Show Gardens
‘Disequilibrium’ by first time Show Garden designer Mike Furse provides a Japanese-inspired garden offering a calm space to observe, listen and reflect in the workplace away from the stresses of everyday life.
Evergreen Wales, Cardiff-based father and son duo Richard and Adam Davis will reconstruct the Welsh mountains with ‘Cwm Caerdydd’ using materials entirely sourced from Wales to highlight everything they love about the Welsh landscape.
Showcasing a functional space for professional couples looking for a contemporary and green design requiring minimal maintenance, Bridgend College returns with first-time designer Petra Kodurand to create ‘Suburban Euphoria’.
Year of the Sea
In line with Visit Wales’ theme for 2018, RHS Flower Show Cardiff will also be celebrating the Year of the Sea, highlighting the sensational Welsh coastline with a host of related activities and features.
The National Museum of Wales will be presenting mini laboratories in glass greenhouses for their fifth time at the Show. Focusing on three areas of science and horticulture, the greenhouses will represent three of their seven museum sites: Big Pit National Coal Museum, National Museum Cardiff and National Waterfront Museum, each with interactive activities.
Other interactive features include RSPB Cymru alongside Cardiff City Council and Buglife who will be joining forces to recreate Cardiff Bay from a bird’s eye view of a swift in anticipation of their arrival in May, looking into the variety of coastal habitats. Meanwhile, the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales’ Rain feature will depict an urban garden with the ability to channel the natural flow of rain.
The ever-popular Wheelbarrow competition returns this year with adventures of the sea and its abundance of wildlife. From underwater creatures to life on the coast, the competition welcomes local pre-schools and primary schools to get creative with all things aquatic.
Floral highlights
The Floral Marquee and Plant Village will be bursting with 60 top-quality nurseries for visitors to grab their seasonal plants. There will be an abundance of take-home ideas to celebrate this spring, with new exhibitors including an unusual selection of epiphytic air plants from Andy’s Air Plants, and Surreal Succulents who will display beautiful and easy-to-keep succulents.
Speaking about this year’s event, Show Manager Anna Skibniewski-Ball says: “We are pulling together the finishing touches for the Show and it promises to be another spectacular celebration of spring, creativity and gardening. There will be lots to get involved in and plenty of take-home ideas and, as always, the support of Welsh businesses is at its heart, as well as welcoming in experts from across the UK for a truly inspiring show.”
For more information or to buy advance tickets for the RHS Flower Show Cardiff visit www.rhs.org.uk/cardiff
When It’s On
RHS Flower Show Cardiff 2018
Bute Park, Cardiff Castle
13 – 15 April 2018
Friday 13 and Saturday 14: 10am – 5.30pm
Sunday 15: 10am – 4.30pm (plant sell off 4pm)
