Macmillan Legacy Show Garden - RHS Tatton Park, July 2021

After months of lockdown, there seems to be a renewed sense of optimism in the air. Following the disappointment of cancelled shows in 2020, the Royal Horticultural Society have just announced that RHS Tatton Park, the foremost flower show in the north, will be opening their doors from 21-25 July 2021.

We’re very proud to announce that Rob Hardy & Co have been commissioned by Macmillan Cancer Support to design the Macmillan Legacy Garden at the show.

Macmillan provide expert care and support to people living with cancer, and this show garden has been designed to highlight this incredibly valuable work. The twisting pathway from one corner of the garden to the other, across a reflective pool, symbolically illustrates how Macmillan provides support through what is often an extremely confusing and emotional journey of a cancer diagnosis.

The planting and hard landscaping also reflects this journey; at the beginning of the pathway they are sharp, jagged, dark and brooding, becoming more vibrant then calming as we move towards the welcoming seating area.

It may come as a surprise to you, but one third of Macmillan’s income comes from gifts left in wills. This fact is represented by three large sculptural pieces that are placed around the garden. One of these pieces is etched with the words that speak of the invaluable support that Macmillan have provided to so many.

A Legacy Tree at the front of the garden is there to encourage visitors to hang written messages within its branches about their legacy. We will be prompting questions about what our own legacy will be.

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to book tickets and come and see the garden for yourself. It’s going to be a special time.

Watch out for future posts as we open up our doors and give you a glimpse into what it takes to design and manage the building of a show garden.