2 minute read
MY GARDEN LIFE Sue Biggs CBE, director general of the RHS
from Ggbbbnb
Sue outside the Lab at RHS Garden Wisley, the contents of which are currently being moved to the new RHS Wisley Hilltop building
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MY GARDEN LIFE
Sue Biggs CBE, director general of the RHS, explains how her garden has helped her through the pandemic and the plans for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show
QWho inspired your love
of gardening?
My mum was a passionate gardener, though I’ve no idea how she had time for it – she worked as a nurse and brought up six children largely on her own. My first memories are paddling around in the mud outside while she planted bulbs, and my seventh birthday when she gave me a packet of dusty looking seeds and a trowel. Since then I was hooked! →
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QHow has your garden helped
over this difficult time?
My garden has been my sanctuary. I live on my own and missed seeing my team every day over lockdown, but tending my plants and sitting on the front bench sipping wine and chatting to my neighbours have really kept my spirits up.
QWhat have been your
biggest challenges over the last year?
The worst day was when we had to cancel Chelsea. At the time, we hoped to hold some of our later shows but it soon became apparent that none could go ahead. I’m just so pleased that we managed to put on a virtual Chelsea, which helped to support our nurseries, as well as entertaining viewers with highlights from past shows. We also had to postpone the opening of the new RHS Garden Bridgewater near Salford last year, but I’m delighted to say that the gates will now open on 11 May.
QHow did you feel then when
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 had to be postponed?
It was a difficult decision, but we’re incredibly excited to be planning a different kind of Chelsea in September. It’s a chance to celebrate the best of autumn horticulture for the first time and I can’t wait to see the spectacular displays our wonderful exhibitors will pull together. We’re so proud of the platform Chelsea offers to the whole industry and hopeful we can bring the show back safely to help inspire and uplift millions of people around the world, at a time when we need gardening more than ever.
Sue is excited about the opening of RHS Garden Bridgewater, featuring the Paradise Garden, here, by Tom Stuart-Smith
The main theme is the ‘Power of Plants and Gardens’, with designs focusing on their healing power and sheer beauty, which transforms us, both on a physical and emotional level. One person who knew this only too well was Florence Nightingale and Robert Myers’ garden will be celebrating her life and our incredible nurses today – what could be more apt? And in our new design category, ‘Sanctuary Gardens’, Naomi FerrettCohen’s ‘Finding Our Way – An NHS Tribute Garden’ is among the designs showing how plants can provide solace during difficult times.
For more information and tickets for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and other RHS shows, or to visit one the RHS Gardens, visit rhs.org.uk &
S RHS/NEIL HEPWORTH PHOTOGRAPH FEATURE ZIA ALLAWAY
