Two of Cheshire's Garden of Distinction have scooped prestigious medals at this year's RHS Tatton show, which starts today (Wednesday 17 July). Wirral's Port Sunlight Village Trust won a prestigious Silver Gilt medal and Tatton Park Gardens, a Silver Medal. Port Sunlight Village Trust's garden went on to be awarded the top back-to-back garden of the RHS Tatton Flower Show.
This year, Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction were represented by Adlington Hall (Macclesfield); Port Sunlight Village Trust (Wirral) and Tatton Park Gardens (Knutsford). Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction is a group of top gardens that aims to raise awareness of the diversity of Cheshire's horticulture. It is run by Marketing Cheshire.
Inspired by the unique heritage and enduring spirit of Port Sunlight Village, the Trust's gardening team produced a formal and romantic garden with a rich planting scheme of pinks and purples, featuring large topiary spheres.
Liam English, Head Gardener of Port Sunlight Village, said: "I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of the village's gardeners and volunteers has been rewarded with a Silver Gilt medal and the prestigious accolade of top back-to-back garden. The garden's structure and colours came together well and I hope visitors will draw inspiration for their own gardens, as most of the plants are ideal for planting in the North-West region."
Simon Tetlow, Head Gardener, Tatton Park, said: "We are delighted to have won a Silver Medal for our 'Very Hungry Caterpillar' garden, which has been created thanks to the hard work and dedication of both Tatton's gardeners and volunteers. The garden is inspired by the 50th anniversary of Eric Carle's 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' book and the garden has been designed to be insect-friendly and to demonstrate how simple changes can help slow down the decline of invertebrate populations."
Deputy Chair of Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction, Barry Grain, who is also Head Gardener at Cholmondeley Castle, said: "This is a completely fantastic result, both gardens are inspiring and I think visitors will love what our gardeners have created for this year's show."
Mark Livesey, CEO of Marketing Cheshire, said: "This is a well-deserved triumph for Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction and a great reflection of the quality of the county's horticulture. The Gardens of Distinction represent a wide range of Cheshire's spectacular gardens ranging from stately homes and botanical gardens to walled gardens and an arboretum. We look forward to continue working together to promoting these unique and special gardens."