Hampton is a show of surprises and this year is no exception. Read about the designers that have been pushing the boundaries.

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Reclaimed planting

Catwalk in bloom

Anything goes this year, and Anthony Samuelson’s feature design, The Past is Another Country, is no exception. His environmentally conscience display has caught the attention of most with his up-turned classic Bentley sprouting grass and ferns.

Anthony is thrilled to be exhibiting his 1966 prized possession, claiming “it’s the ultimate found object.” Perched in mid-air, this petrol-guzzling iconic car represents Samuelson’s contribution to the current ecological debate.

And if being greeted by this extraordinary exhibit isn’t enough to stir the senses, there’s always the London Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Garden in a Skip. Herbs, wildflowers and grasses are planted among heaps of rubbish, namely an old bath and sink which act as a water feature. The plants and materials used in the design have all had previous uses, highlighting issues of sustainability and recycling.

Combining plants and rubbish is not the only novelty at Hampton this year. Designer and television presenter, David Domoney’s Catwalk in Bloom takes horticultural design to the fashion industry. The first plant catwalk of its kind, Domoney has designed his own range of ‘living’ clothes made from fresh flowers and must-have plants. The plants are the stars of the show, showcasing bright colours and textures and inspiring new trends in the industry.

The catwalk has been a huge success, surprising some of the organisers from the Royal Horticultural Society. Bob Sweet, RHS Head of Shows and Development, is amazed at how popular the Catwalk in Bloom is. "Considering it’s been positioned at the back of the site, it's surprising to see it jammed pack for every session."

Bob is excited about the range of exhibits at this year’s show. "Our aim is to surprise people at Hampton." Being a show that’s renowned for its innovation, Bob wanted to push the boundaries even harder this year. "We have not only surprised people, I think we may have raised a few eyebrows as well."