It’s the event that kicks off a summer of gardening festivals – and this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival revealed a stunning tribute to the Queen at the heart of its show.
A new permanent garden at the showground, designed by RHS Malvern show lead Jessica Russell-Perry featuring many of the Queen’s favourite flowers, opened its gates to the public for the first time – with Princess Anne planting the tree which completed the garden on Friday 6 May 2022.
It was just one of several gardening features that proved hugely popular to a bumper crowd of 100,000 visitors returning to the festival after a two-year hiatus.
Running from Thursday 5 May to Sunday 8 May 2022, the event showcased six show gardens, a dome-covered jungle to explore and accessible ideas from three affordable gardens, as well as 50 nurseries and school gardens.
The star-studded line-up of gardening and food experts included Raymond Blanc and BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley, who helped design an RHS feature garden. Based on research from RHS scientists, her Vitamin G Garden showcased the various ways gardening can boost wellbeing.
Shows manager, Jane Edwards, said: ‘This year’s festival had a truly celebratory feel and our gardening and food experts kept visitors entertained and inspired with lots of take-home ideas and tips.
‘The jewel in our crown is the new permanent Platinum Jubilee Garden and we were honoured to receive HRH The Princess Royal to plant the final tree in this stunning new space at the showground.’
