Partners, Austin, Charleston and Oregon team up for a U.S. showcase

Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has announced a USA showcase at this summer's RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, as it partners with the Austin CVB, the Charleston Area CVB and the state of Oregon to bring a floral flavour to the UK.

Three bespoke gardens bringing highlights from each destination will be specially designed and built for the flower show, increasing the United States' presence at the event from two gardens during its inaugural year in 2015. 

Under the umbrella 'Great Gardens of the USA', The Austin Garden, The Charleston Garden and The Oregon Garden have all been designed by UK-based designer Sadie May Stowell, who previously worked on the award-winning gardens last year with Brand USA. For the 2016 event, Sadie will endeavour to capture the essence of Austin, Texas; Charleston, South Carolina, and Oregon – bringing to life the diverse culture and stunning landscapes of the destinations.

The Austin Garden is designed to capture the natural beauty of the landscape and gardens in and around Austin, Texas. The design takes inspiration from the Lady Bird Wildflower Centre, Blackland Prairie and Edward Plateau incorporating the plants and habitats of these areas. Corten steel and sandstone, materials commonly used in the region, will be incorporated into the design and a structure made from aged, rusting scaffold poles topped with corrugated iron and a water feature constructed from blocks of natural stone set in a circle supporting a corten steel bowl will form focal points. Pathways in the garden will be constructed from crushed stone and will reflect the colours of the natural stone found in the region, with boulders creating a feeling of the Texan landscape. Planting will include Echinacea, Acacia, Agave, Ratibida, Coreopsis.

The centre-space Charleston Garden is designed to capture the spirit, charm and elegance of Charleston, while offering a sense of the history, the sub-tropical climate and the atmosphere of this southern city. The design takes its inspiration from Charleston's famous hidden gardens and incorporates iconic elements such as wrought iron gates and railings, as well as rendered walls. The use of crushed oyster shell, brick and broken stone will further anchor the design and give it authenticity. Walls and wrought iron railings will encompass the garden on three sides, providing visitors to Hampton Court with a view over the railings as if they were glimpsing one of Charleston's beautiful hidden gardens. A pair of ornate benches and a water feature set against the back wall will provide a central focus. The planting will display a rich tapestry of greens and will include sub-tropical plants.

Meanwhile, the adjacent Oregon Garden is designed to capture the natural beauty of the landscape of Oregon and takes inspiration from its mountains, wine country and scenic gorges. The backdrop of the garden will be formed by rocky outcrops which will be planted with conifer trees as a cascading water feature flows down. With pathways constructed from crushed stone, the central garden area will be lined with grape vines representing the many vineyards found in the state. Planting will include selected species, such as Lupins, Sidalcea, Tellima grandiflora, Gallardia, Deschampsia caespitosa and Achillea.

“Showcasing the cities of Austin and Charleston, as well as the state of Oregon through the development of these inspirational gardens will provide visitors to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show with a real sense of the relevant authenticity of each of these three destinations,” said Chris Thompson, President and CEO of Brand USA. “ From our urban gardens to National Parks, we look forward to welcoming more international visitors to experience the natural wonders across the USA.”

Running from 4th – 10th July, the garden show initiative takes place as Brand USA prepares to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service on 25th August 2016.

www.VisitTheUSA.co.uk

for more information and a variety of travel experiences in the United States. 

Further detail on the gardens can be found on the RHS website:

The Austin Garden: www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-flower-show/exhibitors/2016/gardens/World-Gardens/great-gardens-of-the-usa-the-austin-garden

The Charleston Garden: www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-flower-show/exhibitors/2016/gardens/World-Gardens/great-gardens-of-the-usa-the-charleston-garden

The Oregon Garden: www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-flower-show/exhibitors/2016/gardens/World-Gardens/great-gardens-of-the-usa-the-oregon-garden

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About Brand USA

Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, was established by the Travel Promotion Act as the nation's first public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and to communicate U.S. entry/exit policies and procedures to worldwide travelers. The organisation's mission is to increase international visitation to the USA in order to fuel the U.S. economy and enhance the image of the United States worldwide. Formed as the Corporation for Travel Promotion in 2010, the public-private entity began operations in May 2011 and does business as Brand USA. According to studies done by Oxford Economics, Brand USA's marketing initiatives over the past two years have resulted in an incremental increase of 2 million visitors to the USA and a total impact on the U.S. economy of nearly $15 billion in spending, which has supported 50,000 new jobs each year.

For industry or partner information about Brand USA, visit www.TheBrandUSA.com. For information about travel experiences in the United States, please visit Brand USA's consumer website at www.VisitTheUSA.co.uk.

Interviews are available

For further press information on Brand USA, or to arrange an interview with the U.S.-based garden contacts or Sadie May Stowell, contact:

Sarah Barnett – sbarnett@thebrandusa.co.uk / 020 7845 6378

Allie Williams – awilliams@thebrandusa.co.uk / 020 7845 6384

Polly Beech – pbeech@thebrandusa.co.uk / 020 7845 6359