Hampton Court Flower Show fans given chance to adopt a rare plant from the exhibit, in RHS first

Green-fingered fans of the Hampton Court Flower Show are being allowed to adopt a rare plant from the exhibit, in a first for the Royal Horticultural Society.

Several thousands of plants and materials from one of the world’s most prestigious flower shows will be rehomed.

Budding “plant guardians” have to fill out a form explaining their plans for their new charge and why their garden is suitable.

They will also be able to provide a drawing of where the plant will be living, to be displayed by the RHS.

This plant recycling scheme is a way for plants to live on and be appreciated by the public, in gardens across the country, instead of hidden away in greenhouses or scrapped.

Large-scale adoptions have already been organised for schools and community groups, so they can enjoy the rare plants which were on show at Hampton Court.

Plants which featured in the show, which took place earlier this month, will be available for “adoption” at  National Trust’s Morden Hall Park on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th July.

The National Trust is working closely with The House of Wayward Plants, a large-scale plant exchange scheme which works to reduce waste and keep plants alive and appreciated, and hopes to put on more events like this in future.

Katherine Potsides, RHS Head of Shows Development commented: “It’s important to the RHS that the plants and gardens continue to live on following our shows to benefit others and we are delighted to be working alongside Wayward and the National Trust who not only share our passion in striving to make the world a greener and more beautiful place but also to inspire more young people and community groups to get involved in gardening.”

Joseph Watson, London Creative Director of the National Trust, added: “In the spirit of our founder Octavia Hill, the National Trust in London seeks to make the inspiring power of nature and heritage accessible to all. We hope this partnership project with Wayward and the RHS will transfer moments of natural beauty from RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show to community green spaces and gardens throughout London, inspiring many more people to engage with nature.”