Flowers and chocolates are staple gifts for loved ones but they will be extraordinarily linked when the RHS flower show arrives in Cardiff this month.
As Bute Park plays host once again to the annual botanical show, a unique garden inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory including a bubbling chocolate lake from award winning designer Tony Smith, to celebrate the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth in Cardiff will be unveiled.
Also part of the literary themed display, a 12ft BFG sculpture inspired by Dahl’s famous book and a golden ticket family trail around the show ground to keep budding young gardener’s entertained. Those of you familiar with the show will be pleased to know that the school’s wheelbarrow competition will feature creations based on the famous author’s books.
As the great and the good of the great outdoors vie for the prestigious silver gilded and gold awards, visitors will get the chance to draw inspiration from their imaginative show gardens. For keen gardeners, television personality Toby Buckland will be conducting informative talks to offer advice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZHDmIEwpMw
Another highlight of the event as part of the overall RHS Greening Grey Britain campaign will be the Physicians of Myddfai garden created by designer Anthea Guthrie. Drawing on the pioneers of modern medicine from herbalism the garden features medicinal herbs and plants to promote health and well-being and the impact of gardening on mind and body. And horticultural consultant Jim Goodwin will be creating a garden in conjunction with George Thomas Hospice Care.
If gardening is not in your nature then there’s plenty of alternative entertainment craft stalls, local artisan food and music on the bandstand and the opportunity to learn foraging and den building skills.
The ringing bell at 4pm on Sunday signals the plant sell off, so if you’re looking to incorporate a piece of the show into your own garden you may get the chance. However, if you’re a self confessed chocoholic, it might be best to resist temptation and stay away from the bubbling chocolate lake!
RHS Flower Show, Bute Park, Cardiff, Fri 15 – Sun 17 Apr. Admission: £12/£9 adv. Info: www.rhs.org.uk
