Press Releases
Hampton Court Flower Show 2014, Summer Garden
The Forgotten Folly – site E1
‘The Forgotten Folly’: a tale of nature reclaimed and new beginnings
Horticolous has created a story of regeneration this year with 'The Forgotten Folly'. A lost, romantic folly has been reclaimed as a habitat for British wildlife, plants and their cultivars. Dry stone walls, a waterfall and stream all integrate and harmonise to provide an oasis for our wildlife, a natural habitat where native species such as Anthiscus sylvestris, Centaurea montana, Geraniums, Erigeron, Ox eyed daisys (Leucanthemum vulgare), Red and white Campion ( silene dioica & alba), wild strawberries (fragaria versca), Angelica 'Archangelica', Astrantia and Anemones all flourish. Cottage garden favourites have seeded themselves in and amongst the beautiful old stone, exploring and exploiting the abandoned garden, thriving and ready to be rediscovered by wild creatures and a new generation of gardeners: children from CofE Primary School!
Lynn Riches and Mark Lippiatt, the gold-medal winning Horticolous team based in Somerset said, "Hampton Court is our favourite show, and this year we were inspired by the beauty of nature reclaimed to create a stunning natural ecosystem. We have planted the garden to encourage and sustain native flowers and wild creatures, and to inspire our young people to create space for nature."
The theme of new beginnings is continued as Lynn and Mark had some special help this year - from the pupils at CofE Primary School, North Somerset. Horticolous provided specialist knowledge and skills to regenerate the school's conservation area with the children. The youngsters helped nurture some of the plants for the show and came to visit Hampton Court Flower Show on press day to see the finished result.
Sarah Whitehouse, class teacher said; "The children are so excited to be part of the show! Involving them in the creation of this garden has given them a greater understanding of how important these areas are to the environment."
After the show, Horticolous will help the children replant their conservation area with some of the plants from 'The Forgotten Folly' to help reinvigorate the space with more native flowers. As part of the RSPB's 'Giving Nature a Home' initiative, the children have been learning about giving nature a home in their gardens and outdoor spaces, and how important this is to the environment.
"The children's enthusiasm has been infectious." Lynn said. "We are sure they will remember 'The Forgotten Folly' and what they have learnt about conservation and protecting our natural world."
NOTES TO EDITORS
Hampton Court Flower Show 2014 – Summer Garden ‘The Forgotten Folly’
Site number Summer Garden E1
For media enquiries contact Lynn Riches
For more information on the RSPB's 'Giving Nature a Home' visit