Rising before the crack of dawn it’s show time; well for the exhibitors rather than me the photographer. Today is press day for the RHS flower show at Tatton Park, and excitingly for me, the venue is open from 6am for exclusive shots uninhibited by the public.
Tatton Park, a National Trust Property is a mansion set in acres of parkland and is the place I regularly come to to relax and unwind. To be able to drive into the parkland in the early hours and have the place virtually to myself is such a treat.
The sheep standing in the middle of the driveway lift their heads inquisitively and then dart out of the way as I drive towards them. To my right antlers poke out over the top of the grass as a dip in the bank hides the resting stags. The sun is breaking through clouds casting the most striking light across the lake where the swans, dazzlingly white, are having an early morning swim.
So then car parked and armed with press pass I’m ready to roll, just the show isn’t! All the gates into the ground are locked with security men standing around chatting. What a show here today? People wanting entry before 10am? Unheard of! After a nice morning stroll round the perimeter of the fence I find a kind security man with the power to let me in. It was meant to be; right beside this entrance is the flower marquee; for me the most important and stunning thing the show offers. This marquee all to me is absolute bliss; usually I’m a member of the public trying to get a good view of a stands along with everyone else.
As I walk into the tent the fragrance of lilies fills the air, it’s so intoxicating I could inhale it all day, I only wish I could bring that fragrance to you via this article. The lighting in this first of three tents is incredibly subdued despite overhead lighting. Moving on to the next tent I spot a chance for a bit of artistic license; a stand with a woodland scene with flowers planted that in the normal outdoor world you wouldn’t find together. This is the thing about RHS flower shows, to get presentation awards the nurseries have to think outside the box and put together combinations not naturally found in gardens; it’s a photographer’s dream.
Tropical Lilies
Alone and undisturbed I snap away moving, changing light and depth of field, revelling in the chance to get some easy woodland scenes without lying on a damp forest floor where I can often be found. Although I’ve got a tripod with me I don’t actually use it preferring to go free hand. Thistles, Echinacea, beautiful pink flowers I’ve not yet identified, this is a paradise.
A Prickly Situation
Outside the gardens are bursting with colour from flowers to vegetables. A nearby television presenter is doing a weather report into a morning news programme and is holding up an exhibitor’s vehicle in the process, as when he comes off air is reprimanded by a nearby steward.
I’m moving quickly now as the clock is beginning to tick down to opening time. Activity begins to increase on the showground among the trade stands, garden designers and stewards. The clock strikes ten, (a bit more artistic license, there is no striking clock! See what the flower marquee has done to me.), the sun streams through the broken cloud and the gates open. Here come the crowds, the quiet showground is awash with people and voices; oohs and ahs as they view the gardens.
The press exclusivity is over until 6:30pm tonight, now the showground takes on the life it was created for, inspiration and public adulation. Job done, I’m off to Fortnum and Mason’s café for a slice of cake and my second espresso of the day!
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Living in the beautiful rural county of Yorkshire it was perhaps natural for Ruth to have an affinity with the countryside and its wildlife. Creativity is Ruth’s driving force finding an outlet in television & radio she worked for many years as producer for BBC & ITV.
However a love of photography and for being surrounded by nature called her to go back to her photography training and bring pleasure and joy to people through her connection with our planet.
Staying in the moment when taking her images allows her to experience the natural magnificence unfolding before her eyes. It is this moment of mediation, of gratitude, that she evocatively conveys through her images.