J. Parker Dutch Bulbs (Wholesale) Ltd has partnered with emerging designer Rachel Platt and will present a show garden at RHS Tatton later this year.
The space, titled ‘Chained to Tech’, will address the increasing prevalence of technology addiction amongst the younger demographic.
The retailer will also partner with behavioural specialists from Manchester Metropolitan University to work on independent research projects into the impact horticulture can have on those suffering with mental health.
Paul Parker, owner and Managing Director of J.Parker’s, says, ‘It gives us great pleasure to return to show gardens after some years of absence and we are thrilled with the concept and design that Rachel has produced. We appreciate technology is an important part of day to day life, but are also becoming increasingly aware of the impact excessive use can have on mental health. We have seen first hand the positive impact horticulture can have and hope this garden will educate as many people as possible.’
Platt took home a silver gilt medal in 2022 for her ‘COVID recovery garden’ and has since gone on to work on several private and commercial projects since.
"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 formed by using a mix of dense planting and hard landscaping. The latter appears flawless with its clean sharp lines and smooth appearance, but on further inspection, the materials are raw and distressed, representing the poor mental health and deterioration of the body through technological overuse.
Low maintenance plants are used throughout, 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.
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.”
