Is Prince Harry taking after his father for green fingers?
Yes, you read it right Prince Harry, it seems, has applied to the RHS to exhibit in Central Avenue of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013.
Details are still to be confirmed but it appears the garden has been commissioned by the children’s charity Sentebale which was founded by Prince Harry. It is thought that B&Q will be sponsoring the garden and Prince Harry will be having help from a former Chelsea Gold Medal winner, Jinny Bloom.
Rumours abound that Harry has a passion for Tulips and Begonias, an interesting concept considering some of his latest media altercations and his passion for the Army Air Corps. It’s great for horticulture that someone his age who is third in line to the throne is getting involved, it can only be a positive thing....although I am finding it difficult picturing him planning his garden whilst in Afghanistan!
Latest Update 5 February 2013:
The garden that has been desiged by Jinny Blom with input from Harry while he was serving in Afghanistan is to feature the hearts and crown motif on a stone terrace which was Princess Diana's favourite motif. It will include Trifolium repens 'William' which is said to be a tribute to his brother and he has requested forget-me-nots.
I have to admit that 2012 was a pretty strange year and I don't think that I am the only one who thinks that. It has been classed as the second wettest on record yet we saw hosepipe bans in the southern parts of England. We also saw a few other things that would impact our industry for example, an increase in VAT, proposed relaxation in the laws covering building extensions and domestic rear gardens and the government imposed yet more spending cuts which threaten our public spaces making them at greater risk of decline.
If you haven’t bought your Christmas cards yet or are in need of some inspiration for the gardener in your family and are looking for a charity to support this Christmas, please do consider Perennial the Gardener’s Royal Benevolent Society. Established in 1839 it is a national charity for those people who have worked or are working in the horticultural industry and are facing difficult times including illness and financial difficulty. 
The RHS has recently released an additional plants for pollinators list - this time focusing on native wildflowers - many of which are also good for inclusion in our gardens.
