From award-winning show gardens to spectacular floral displays, the RHS Badminton Flower Show is always packed with inspiration. Here are the five moments that stole the show for Crown Pavilions' designer, Natalie Dejahang.
Once the Crown Pavilions stand was set up and the floral displays were up to the standard visitors expect from an RHS Badminton Flower Show, the company's designer Natalie Dejahang took time to soak up ideas, meet fellow designers and explore everything the event had to offer. These were the five moments that stood out most.
1. The Macmillan Cancer Support Garden
Designed by Elle Arnett and awarded a coveted Gold Medal, the Macmillan Cancer Support Garden tells the story of someone going through cancer treatment — and it was, Natalie said, one of the gardens that stopped her in her tracks:
"I loved how the trees contrasted against the concrete columns. It perfectly illustrated the journey people go through. The hard, architectural elements represent the harsh realities of treatment, but they're softened by the beautiful planting, symbolising the care, compassion and hope that surrounds people throughout that journey. It's such a thoughtful design."
2. Crown Pavilions' own 4-Star Tradestand Award
While Natalie was busy admiring everyone else's work, Crown Pavilions had something to celebrate of its own. The company received a 4-Star Tradestand Award in recognition of the craftsmanship, presentation and attention to detail shown throughout its display of luxury garden buildings.
Natalie said the recognition meant a great deal to the whole team:
"We're incredibly proud of the whole team. Everyone puts so much passion into creating our stand, so to receive this recognition from the RHS is really special. It's a lovely way to celebrate the craftsmanship that goes into every one of our luxury garden buildings."
3. Trained fruit trees in the Floral Marquee
For Natalie, the Floral Marquee is one of the places she looks forward to most every year:
"I honestly felt like I was walking through an art gallery. Everywhere I turned there was another beautiful display."
One of her favourite exhibits featured beautifully trained fruit trees:
"I could instantly imagine one of the apple trees growing against an old brick wall in a traditional walled garden. They're both practical and incredibly beautiful, and they add so much character to an outdoor space."
4. The Finding Hope Garden
Created by award-winning designer Rick Ford to raise awareness of suicide prevention, the Finding Hope Garden represents the 16 lives lost to suicide every day in the UK, with each section carrying a powerful message of remembrance and hope.
It was, Natalie said, one of the most moving spaces at the show:
"It was absolutely beautiful. I loved the broken shells, all of the pollinator-friendly planting and the fact the garden was buzzing with bees and butterflies. There was so much life all around you. The copper blended beautifully into the planting and I loved the message behind it — finding hope when you've lost hope. It's such a clever balance between reflection and optimism."
5. Alliums
No visit to the Floral Marquee would have been complete without admiring one of Natalie's favourite plants. She had never seen so many varieties gathered in one place:
"I've always loved alliums, but I've never seen so many incredible varieties all in one place. The size of some of the flower heads was amazing, and seeing all the different colours and shapes together was really inspiring. They're such a brilliant plant because they add height, structure and a real architectural feel to a garden while still looking soft and elegant."
Inspiration around every corner
Reflecting on this year's event, Natalie said the RHS Badminton Flower Show once again proved why it's one of the highlights of the gardening calendar:
"Whether you're looking for planting inspiration, beautiful craftsmanship or gardens with powerful stories behind them, there's something around every corner. I always leave feeling inspired, and this year was no exception."
Discover the luxury garden buildings that drew the crowds at Badminton, or visit one of our showsites to see the craftsmanship for yourself.
