Alitex, the iconic British greenhouse manufacturer has joined forces with THE PIG Hotels and Mark Diacono, the food lover, grower and writer to create a feast for the senses at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show (24-28 May 2022) where it will be exhibiting for the 60th year running.
As part of this year’s celebration two of the most popular models from Alitex's National Trust Collection will host two exciting themes; The Mottisfont greenhouse (pictured top) is a traditionally designed aluminium greenhouse and a regular favourite for seasonal growers and The Ickworth is a modern greenhouse perfect for keen gardeners, boasting a spacious interior, perfect for growing or entertaining. In the Mottisfont THE PIG team will demonstrate their ‘plot to plate’ homegrown ethos by creating an edible garden to demonstrate the huge benefits and possibilities of growing your own, introducing some more unusual varieties of edible plant.
Raise a toast at Alitex’s botanical cocktails
In the Ickworth, the team will be suggesting garden inspired cocktails made from exotic infusions to toast the celebrations with recipes curated by Mark Diacono for this special occasion. Mark is well-known for his love of experimenting with floral infusions and syrups from the garden to create delicious and unconventional cocktails. To make the most of this talent, the Ickworth Greenhouse at Chelsea will be transformed into a Botanical Cocktail Bar – demonstrating the potential of a greenhouse and proving that it isn’t just a place for growing.
The sociable space will offer visitors the chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the show to enjoy the beautiful greenhouse and its floral fragrances and take inspiration from a classic mojito or bellini, through to a non-alcoholic switchel or kombucha. All the cocktails have been created by the team at THE PIG Hotels, and Alitex is delighted to be collaborating with Hepple Gin, Boatyard Vodka, Blighty Booch Kombucha and Simpsons English Sparkling Wine.
Plants that taste as good as they look
Mark will work closely with young garden designer, Jake Curley, to bring a quirky edible oasis to life. As many of us are moving towards an increasingly plant-based diet, the Alitex garden will celebrate some of the more unusual varieties of edible plants that can provide us with exciting alternative sources of nutrition. Plants will be provided by Pennard Plants, recipients of the prestigious RHS ‘Master Grower’ Award. From its Victorian walled garden in the heart of rural Somerset, Pennard Plants proudly grows one of the UK’s largest selection of edible plants, as well as heritage and heirloom seeds.
Alitex — 01730 826900, www.alitex.co.uk
-
Five frankly enormous mansions, including one with its own private swimming lake, as seen in Country LifeSometimes bigger really is better.
-
Playing the fool: The rich history of tarot and how it satisfies our desire for transcendenceOnce an elaborate art form that entertained 15th-century Italian nobility, tarot cards have evolved into a tool of divination. A new exhibition shines a light on their history.
-
Code8: Beauty on Burlington ArcadeCome along Burlington Arcade with Hetty Lintell to visit beauty gurus Code8, and try their new Day To Night Foundation.
-
The gift of growingEntirely built to suit your needs, a bespoke Alitex greenhouse not only helps you nurture flowers and vegetables, but also offers a tranquil retreat from the pressures of daily life.
-
The ultimate Canadian train journeyExperience the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies onboard the luxury and top-tier service of Rocky Mountaineer.
-
The Art of Lighting: Four of Britain's top designers share their best tips for choosing lightingAt a recent panel discussion hosted at Vaughan’s London showroom during Focus/24, interior designers Emma Pocock and Sarah Peake, lighting designer Jo Mann of Lighthouse Designs and Richard Smith of Vaughan shared their top 10 tips on choosing lighting.
-
The beauty of bespoke: A journey with Julia Lloyd GeorgeGoing bespoke with Julia Lloyd George means getting not just a piece of jewellery, but a lifelong treasure.
-
Hancocks: Sparkle of geniusHistoric jewellery firm Hancocks, now in its new St James’s home, specialises in old-cut diamonds pieces that gleam and turn heads even in low light.
-
The timeless appeal of Vaughan and the secrets of good lighting to be unpacked by four of Britain's top designersFor more than four decades, Vaughan has combined inspiration from past and present to create beautifully crafted lighting, furniture and textiles that will stand the test of time.
-
The glittering new home of Hancocks London, the jeweller that makes the Victoria CrossThe new home of Hancocks London celebrates the historic brand’s history of making exquisite jewellery and providing the bespoke service that befits them.
