Bid to continue Peter Seabrook’s legacy and grow Floral Fantasia into a ‘Centre of Excellence’

Sun Gardener Peter Seabrook with “Rudbechia Enchanted” that will be used in the Sun Pyramid at RHS Hyde Hall Picture Arthur Edwards

CHELMSFORD, UK: A fundraising bid aiming to secure the future of ‘Floral Fantasia’ at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, has been launched today by an UK industry group who hope to continue and evolve the popular bedding display, developed in recent years by the late Peter Seabrook.

Peter, who passed away on 14 January 2022, poured much time and energy into helping grow ‘Floral Fantasia’ over the past three years into what is a spectacular showcase of seasonal UK bedding at the Chelmsford garden, and features colourful and diverse planting including Rudbeckia, Calendula and Sweet Pea, a favourite of Peter’s.

His vision for Floral Fantasia, as a display area to inspire gardeners, a trial location to assess new varieties, and a facility for training and education in the use of seasonal ornamental plants, is part of Peter’s legacy to British horticulture.

The RHS has confirmed its commitment to the project at Hyde Hall for the next three years when funding has been secured. Its plans for 2022 include a spring viola trial and an extensive trial of poppies as part of the ‘Year of the Poppy’ celebration, along with the usual planting of sweet peas and new variety demonstrations.

Fundraising has now been initiated to continue Peter’s legacy and a working group, formed during a meeting at Hyde Hall last week includes the following individuals:

• Michael Smith [W. D. Smith & Son] (Chair)
• Paul Hansord (Deputy Chair)
• Ian Le Gros [RHS] (Deputy Chair)
• Robert Brett [RHS]
• Tim Kerley [Kerley&Co]
• Stuart Lowen [Ball Colegrave]
• Molly Christman [RHS Floral Fantasia Apprentice]
• Ian Bull [RHS]
• Christine Woodhouse [RHS]

This group will approach businesses and individuals for donations to support the long-term development of the 2000 m2 Floral Fantasia as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for seasonal plants and the use of colour in the landscape.

As of 24 January 2022, a total of £19,000 per year has been pledged for the next three years, but significantly more is needed to secure Floral Fantasia for that period. Simon Crawford, of Burpee Europe Ltd, writes “I have watched Peter Seabrook invest a huge amount of time and energy into Floral Fantasia over the last three years. It was definitely a passion for Peter and I hope we are able to come together as admirers of his work to ensure this legacy lives on for gardeners everywhere.”

Any business or individual interested in making a donation can contact the ‘Floral Fantasia Working Group’ at: ianlegros@rhs.org.uk