J. Parker’s partners with Rachel Platt to produce mental health inspired garden at RHS Tatton
The garden will address the impact technology addiction has on young people
J. Parker Dutch Bulbs (Wholesale) Ltd., one of the UK’s online market leaders in garden plants and bulbs has partnered with emerging designer Rachel Platt to present a show garden at this years Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Tatton Park Flower Show.
The garden, titled ‘Chained to Tech’, will address the increasing prevalence of technology addiction amongst the younger demographic and the repercussions this can have on their mental and physical health, with reference to how horticulture can be a source of support.
Rachel Platt says, “I was thrilled to be approached by J. Parker’s to design their show garden this year. This garden really resonates with me, having seen the impact of technological addiction myself and I hope the garden will be meaningful and impactful for others”.
The garden has been created using a mix of dense planting and hard landscaping, the latter appears flawless with clean sharp lines and smooth appearance, but on closer inspection, the materials are raw and distressed, representative of the detrimental effect technological overuse can have mentally and physically.
Minimal maintenance plants are featured through the garden, with trees, shrubs and grasses providing the majority of the planting structure. Pops of colour and scent are present through the use of perennials such as Agastache, Coreopsis and Salvia.
J. Parker will also be partnering with behavioural specialists from Manchester Metropolitan University to conduct independent research projects into the impact horticulture can have on those suffering with mental health.
Neuroscientist Dr Elizabeth Braithwaite, senior research associate, Manchester Met, adds, “We are really excited to be working with J. Parker’s and using this innovative garden design to disseminate knowledge on the impacts of technology addiction on poor mental health, and the potential role that gardening and horticulture may play in buffering these effects. Rising rates of poor mental health is a serious problem, especially among young people, so raising awareness of potential risk factors, such as technology addiction, is important work.”
Many of this years’ RHS Tatton designers are pushing the boundaries, taking inspiration from powerful yet delicate subjects, from suicide awareness to J. Parker’s mental health showpiece.
‘Chained to Tech’ is not Rachel’s first exploration into the healing properties of horticulture at Tatton, the 2022 Pro Landscaper 30 under 30’s: The Next Generation winner Tatton debut, titled ‘Covid Recovery Garden’ was designed for a hospital to provide a recuperation sanctuary for patients suffering from long-COVID.
The garden saw the young designer take home a trio of awards, including the highly coveted People’s Choice Award.
The 2023 RHS Tatton Park Flower Show is taking place from the 19th to the 23rd of July, more information regarding the event can be found here: //www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-flower-show-tatton-park
