J.Parker’s Wins Three Awards at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park and Announces Relocation of Award-Winning Show Garden to Manchester
Manchester-based family-owned business, J.Parker’s, is celebrating 90 years in the plants and bulbs industry with a triumphant presence at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park held last week (19 – 23 July 2023). The company’s highly anticipated show garden, named ‘Chained to Tech,’ garnered three prestigious awards, including the People’s Choice Show Garden award, Best Construction, and the Silver Gilt Medal.
The captivating show garden, which creatively highlighted the impact of ‘addiction to technology’ on the mental health of young people, will be fully relocated to the campus of Manchester Metropolitan University. The university’s involvement in a complementary nature-based research project added value to the garden, providing valuable insights into observers’ perceptions and the concept’s impact.
The garden design masterfully utilized a mix of hard and soft landscaping, incorporating polished brass strips, rebar symbolizing technological cables, and laser-cut panels mimicking circuit board patterns. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plants were thoughtfully selected to represent the dry eyes caused by excessive screen use, while bold-colored plants symbolized the emotions and instant gratification experienced while using technology.
The ‘Chained to Tech’ garden also aimed to encourage young adults to spend more time outdoors by featuring a relaxing hanging chair overlooking the garden, promoting social interaction and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
Paul Duiker-Parker, Managing Director at J.Parker’s, expressed excitement and gratitude for the recognition received at the show and emphasized the garden’s significance in addressing mental health issues among the youth. He also praised the collaboration with garden designer Rachel Platt, whose work successfully brought the concept to life.
In addition to the show garden, J.Parker’s showcased a plant village display garden designed by RHS-certified garden expert Hannah Rowson. This garden, with a color theme related to the main show garden, aimed to inspire visitors with drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and mail-order plants, featuring a welcoming cottage-style border.
As a company committed to mental health and the positive impact of green spaces, J.Parker’s recently launched its Staff Garden at the head office in Manchester. The garden is available to all departments, offering an enriching learning experience and promoting well-being.
To explore and shop the award-winning show garden, visit this link.
