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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Zoe Forsey

Kate Middleton gets her hands dirty in unseen behind-the-scenes garden snap

The Duchess of Cambridge shared a throwback snap of her getting her hands dirty in the garden to celebrate the first anniversary her taking part in the Chelsea Flower Show.

Kate's Back to Nature garden, designed to highlight the benefits of nature to mental and physical well-being, was a big hit at last year's show.

It also got a big thumbs up from Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who had a chance to explore their mum's creation before it opened to the public, with the eldest Cambridge kid giving it "20 out of 10".

This year's Chelsea Flower Show has been cancelled due to coronavirus, but is running as a virtual event, which Kate promoted by sharing a throwback snap on social media.

It shows her getting involved with the garden build, wearing gloves as she balances on two rocks being handed a plant ready to be in the ground.

It's a lovely, relaxed photo (Instagram)

She's casually dressed in muddy jeans, trainers and a green shirt, with her hair tied back in a messy bun.

The caption reads: "One year on from The Duchess of Cambridge's Back to Nature Garden, the Chelsea Flower Show is going digital!

"Visit  @The_RHS  to join the virtual #ChelseaFlowerShow  for practical gardening advice from world-leading designers and experts all from the comfort of your own home.

The Cambridge kids got to explore the garden (PA)

"The Duchess’s Back to Nature garden in 2019 aimed to highlight the physical and mental health benefits of the natural world and inspire children, families, and communities to enjoy the great outdoors."

Yesterday, the Queen shared a message of support of the new virtual event, praising organisers for making sure it can continue during these uncertain times.

She said: “On the occasion of the Opening of the Virtual Chelsea Flower Show 2020, I send my best wishes to all those associated with the Royal Horticultural Society.

Kate also gave the Queen a tour (AFP/Getty Images)

“My family and I have always enjoyed visiting the Show, and I know that your Members and Supporters will be disappointed that they are unable to attend in person this year.

“As Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society, I was pleased to hear that you will be providing gardening advice and virtual sessions on your website, from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd May.

“I am sure that my grandmother, Queen Mary, who first attended the Chelsea Flower Show in 1916, would be delighted that many people today have an enthusiasm for horticulture, and that gardening remains a popular past time in the United Kingdom.

We saw Louis standing for the first time in the adorable video (PA)

“As you adapt to the present circumstances, I hope you find this unique event enjoyable and interesting.”

Kate designed her 2019 garden alongside landscape architects Andree Davies and Adam White and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

The garden, which Kate hoped would inspire families "to get outside" and "enjoy nature", featured a tree house, swing seat, waterfall, rustic den and a campfire as well as tree stumps, stepping stones and a hollow log for children to play on.

The garden was designed to send a special message, and featured a rope swing and a den (PA)

Kate remembered the late Diana, Princess of Wales by including forget-me-nots, her favourite flowers.

Among the blooms and foliage were blue periwinkle flowers, geraniums, astrantias, wild strawberry plants, ferns and rhubarb.

Trees planted in the garden included a weeping beech tree, which is an ideal base for building a den under branches.

It included Princess Diana's favourite flowers (PA)

Decking in the garden was created using reclaimed timber from Southend Pier.

Speaking at the time, Kate told the BBC: “I really feel that nature and being interactive outdoors has huge benefits on our physical and mental wellbeing, particularly for young children.

"I really hope that this woodland that we have created really inspires families, kids and communities to get outside, enjoy nature and the outdoors, and spend quality time together.”

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