Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden Midlands, Alex Law is encouraging a debate about native and non-native species at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park this week. Alex’s ‘The Not-So-Great Escape AKA The Future English Landscape Garden’ has been awarded a Silver-Gilt medal and questions what the UK countryside might look like in a few years’ time if we allow more of our garden plants to naturalise in the countryside.

 

In a study conducted earlier this year by researchers from the RHS and University of Reading, more than 250 commonly grown plants were identified as potentially invasive. Many of these, or their close botanical relatives, feature in Alex’s long border garden to illustrate what may happen if ornamental plants become wild.

 

Whilst acknowledging the importance of gardeners working together to ensure both native and non-native species aren’t detrimental to the environment, Alex’s garden is also a celebration of non-native plants.

 

His ‘The Not-So-Great Escape AKA The Future English Landscape Garden’ design is one of twenty-two long border gardens appearing at this year’s show, featuring gardens by world-renowned and world-first designers.

 

He says: “I’ve really enjoyed reading up and educating myself on this topic. Non-native plants are amazing and make a brilliant contribution to the UK’s biodiversity. I don’t believe there’s an upper limit on biodiversity and the more you have, the better it is. Whilst it’s always worth keeping an eye out for invasive plants and making sure they don’t have an adverse impact on your local countryside, non-native species are really welcome and wildlife and humans all benefit from growing a wide range of plants. It’s all about planting the right plants in the right place.”

 

Head Gardener Alex can usually be found nurturing the award-winning garden created by nationwide charity Horatio’s Garden at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry.

 

RHS Tatton Park is a celebration of summer and is a chance for visitors to find colourful gardening inspiration, enjoy fun family activities, workshops, and boutique shopping from Wednesday 17 July – Sunday 21 July. Tickets are still available online via the RHS website here.

 

To find out more about Head Gardener Alex Law and his work with nationwide charity Horatio’s Garden, please visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk