The final submission for the RHS Wentworth media pack is now complete and ready to be shared on the RHS website and across our own platforms.

Following feedback, we’ve adjusted the planting scheme to create a more dramatic “flame” effect. To achieve this, we’ve added Hollyhocks, though sourcing these this year has proven particularly difficult (more on that below), and Thalictrum, which helps to soften the planting and introduce a “smoke” element to the design. Not forgetting the addition of Hot Pockers!

In addition to the planting, we’ve incorporated actual burnt posts into the design, referencing scorched tree trunks from wildfires. These will be replicated in reality using tree trunks we’ve burned ourselves in a bonfire hopefully bringing a tangible authenticity to the final installation.

This year’s weather has presented a real challenge. Many plants have started flowering a month earlier than expected. To mitigate this, we’ve had to adjust our propagation strategy significantly:

Some plants Emma and I growning at home and keeping them in shade to delay bolting.

Others are being purchased in 9cm pots instead of the usual 1L, with plans to pot them on to slow down development.

This is a more complex and hands-on approach than in previous years, where it was possible to simply source what was needed the week before the show.

In addition, plant prices have doubled compared to previous years. This is partly due to limited stock, but also what we’ve jokingly started calling the “RHS Tax” – a markup when suppliers find out plants are intended for an RHS show, not unlike what happens with weddings.

We also had a setback when a supplier who had previously agreed to donate a large quantity of plants pulled out. This left us with a significant shortfall in funding.

To close the funding gap, I’ve been actively raising money through several routes:

Giving talks at local garden clubs

Launching a GoFundMe campaign

Organising community car washes and cake sales

So far, I’ve raised £350, with £3,650 still to go. It’s ambitious, but we’re moving forward and hoping the support continues to grow in the lead-up to the show.