RHS Urban Show debuts with aim of inspiring city gardeners

The Royal Horticultural Society’s first ever large-scale indoor gardening show is a "chance for a new audience to gain new roots or grow their existing knowledge", its manager has said.

The RHS Urban Show, which runs until Sunday at Manchester's Depot Mayfield, has been aimed "the nation’s newest gardeners", the charity said.

A representative said it was packed with "cutting-edge designs and inspirational ideas" such as an indoor urban forest, demonstrations of gardening in limited space and a "forage your own garnish" bar.

Show manager Lex Falleyn said it would "encourage visitors to grow in their own way".

'Boosting biodiversity'

"If visitors have limited space, then there’s opportunities to learn about cutting edge horticultural technology, plant based careers and community gardening through displays and talks," she said.

“RHS Urban Show is a chance for a new audience to gain new roots, or grow their existing knowledge on ways to enjoy horticulture in the city.

"From indoor plants and balconies on a budget, to botanical art to inspirational talks -- we hope this show will encourage visitors to grow in their own way."

Liverpool-based Conal McGuire, who designed an "urban shade" garden for the event said he had wanted to show "what you can do in a small space".

"Basically, it’s trying to come up with ideas for both growing vertically, increasing the amount of plants that you can have and boosting biodiversity in the inner city

Warrington designer Nathan Webster, who specialises in urban foresting, said he wanted to change people's opinion about what could be achieved in cities.

“We’re just trying to raise awareness that there’s a lot of these sort of places in Manchester that can be used and aren’t at the minute," he said.