Hedgehogs are the stars of a new show garden at Southport Flower Show this year!
The thought-provoking show garden has been lovingly created by volunteers from Chorley Hedgehog Rescue in Lancashire.
Their Hedgehog Friendly Garden is an interactive space, with experts from the animal rescue charity encouraging children and families to walk through the garden, chat with people there and learn about what’s potentially good – and bad – for the little hogs.
The space at Victoria Park contains hints and tips for home owners including little gaps in fences to allow hedgehogs to enjoy access through; keeping a ‘wild patch’ in a corner to offer shelter, protection and natural food; and avoiding using pesticides and slug pellets.
Adrienne Talbot, one of the volunteers for Chorley Hedgehog Rescue, said: One of our main jobs is rescuing hedgehogs, nursing them back to health and then releasing them back into the wild.
“I enjoy doing talks in schools and other places and love helping people so help them to learn more about hedgehogs.
“It’s often surprising to find out how little that many people know about them!
“When the opportunity came up to create our very own show garden here at Southport Flower Show, we thought it was too good to miss!
“Over 50,000 visitors come to the show over the four days it’s on, so this is a fantastic way of really engaging with lots of people who want to learn more about hedgehogs and the practical ways they can increase their chances of survival by making some small changes to their gardens.
“People who visit us will be able to walk around our show garden, have a look at some of the things we have put in place that can help hedgehogs – and spot things that might be harmful to them.
“For example, did you know that hedgehogs can swim? Garden ponds can be an issue if they fall in and can’t get out, but if they have steps in there, or an easy way of getting out, it can really help.
“We have been out to rescue hedgehogs which have become stuck down drains. Just get a drain cover from your local garden centre for £1.50, it’s nice and easy.
“Hedgehogs need to drink a lot of water, so leaving some water out for them can be good.
“They can travel a long way in one night trying to find what they need in terms of food, shelter and other things.
“Allowing them to have access through people’s gardens is really important and so is providing some of what they need.
“The less they have to travel, the less likely they are to become a copper while crossing a road.
“Hedgehogs love to nest under people’s sheds, they love to nest under decking.
“There are lots of simple things that people can do to help hedgehogs, and to keep them from harm.
“People don’t need to have an all-singing, all-dancing garden to make a difference.
“It is all about making some simple changes.
“We are looking forward to meeting everyone at Southport Flower Show!”
Just don’t expect to see any real hedgehogs there.
Adrienne Talbot said: “Hedgehogs are nocturnal, and wild animals too, so there won’t be any here actually at the show!
“There will still be lots to see and enjoy though.”
With its combination of garden and floral displays, cookery demonstrations, shopping village, arena entertainment, live music and much more, Southport Flower Show is a great day out for the whole family.
This year’s star guests include Countdown host Rachel Riley and her Strictly Come Dancing partner Pasha Kovalev.
Celebrity chefs John Torode and Lisa Faulkner are among the top names in the demonstration kitchen along with Masterchef’s Gabriella Margiotta and Lizzie Acker from the Great British Bake Off.
Kids go free to Southport Flower Show and younger visitors will be entertained by children’s TV star Justin Fletcher, who is returning with his acclaimed stage show.
And sharing their growing expertise will be Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill, Garden Ninja Lee Burkhill, urban gardener Jason Williams and broadcaster James Wong.
Southport Flower Show, sponsored by Harrison Holidays, runs over four days from Thursday 17th August to Sunday 20th August and is held in the 34-acre Victoria Park close to the centre of the seaside town.
Some of the nation’s top growers compete for prizes every year at Southport and the show is famous for its spectacular grand floral marquee.
Tickets are £28 on the gate but buy in advance for an early bird discount with tickets purchased before 11.59pm on Wednesday 16th August available for £25.
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