First RHS Badminton flower show opens at Badminton estate
The first RHS Badminton flower show opened at the Badminton estate, featuring a focus on heat-resistant plants.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
The first RHS Badminton flower show has opened at the Badminton estate in Gloucestershire, drawing tens of thousands of visitors on its opening day. The event, which runs until Sunday, features millions of plants and a strong focus on helping gardeners cope with hotter, drier summers.
Exhibitors from across the country have brought a wide range of plants, including varieties that can withstand extreme temperatures, strong winds, and require minimal watering. One nursery grower explained that after about two years, their plants become self-sustainable, allowing gardeners to 'water yourself in the garden rather than your plants.'
Local talent was also on display. A nursery based just 10 minutes from the estate won a Silver Guild Medal for its first ever RHS display. The show includes show gardens, houseplant terrariums, a family area with woodland crafts, and expert talks in the 'In the Grow Theatre.' Organisers said they aim to appeal to everyone from expert gardeners to complete beginners.
One of the standout gardens was created by Sophie Leo from Bristol, who won Young Designer of the Year, Best Construction, and a gold medal. Her garden was inspired by the loss of her mother in 2022 and includes a notebook containing a sketch and lists her mother made while planning her own funeral. Leo said the reception from visitors had been 'really great.'
Visitors praised the show, with one comparing it favourably to the Chelsea Flower Show, saying it was 'on a par with Chelsea.' Another visitor, celebrating her birthday at the event, described the location as 'stunning' and the weather as 'a little bit too hot.'
The show is the first RHS event to be held at the Badminton estate, and organisers hope it will become a regular fixture in the gardening calendar.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| Sophie Leo won Young Designer of the Year, Best Construction, and a gold medal for her garden. | |
| The first RHS Badminton flower show is taking place at the Badminton estate. | |
| The show runs until Sunday. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
ITV1's coverage focused on the practical aspects of gardening in a changing climate, highlighting heat-resistant and low-maintenance plants. The report also gave significant attention to the personal story of designer Sophie Leo, whose garden was a tribute to her late mother, and emphasised the local angle with exhibitors from the South West. The tone was warm and enthusiastic, with the presenter visibly distracted by the 'glorious shots' of the show.
- “Experts say gardeners are increasingly looking for ways to help their gardens cope with those drier summers and plant in the heat.”
- “I went to Chelsea a few weeks ago and I would say that this is on a par with Chelsea.”
- “We got Young Designer of the Year, Best Construction and also a gold as well.”
Broadcast Timeline
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