Shows

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2009 - Pilgrim’s Rest

From the Middle Ages, herb gardens, attached to monasteries, have been used as places of rest, reflection and meditation.  Primarily, of course, they were designed to grow herbs for culinary, medicinal and dyeing purposes and would have been packed with plants with wonderful forms and textures giving off the most delicious scents. “The Pilgrim’s Rest” was inspired by these gardens and aimed to give an impression of a small, peaceful garden, attached to the ruins of an old monastic stone building.

The backdrop was a ruined wall with a covered timber walkway leading to an old door in the centre. Raised beds and fencing were made from split hazel screens and a thatched dovecote, medieval pattern wheelbarrow, benches, a chamomile seat and straw bee skeps set the scene.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2008 - SPANA’s (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) Courtyard Refuge

SPANA’s Courtyard Refuge is inspired by a typical Moroccan courtyard in Marrakech, where donkeys and other animals are still an integral part of everyday life. The overall theme is to subtly depict the relationship between man, animal, plants and the environment. The surrounding walls depict the boundaries of the courtyard which is presumed to be within the interior of a house. Doors and windows provide light and access and an arch suggests an entrance to the courtyard from outside. Steps provide access to the flat roof of the house with an old wooden door leading to the stable beneath. A fountain is the focal point in the courtyard as it not only represents the ‘elixir of life’ in desert countries, but also has a religious aspect in the ritual of washing before prayer. The movement of the water also refreshes and circulates the air. A grape vine fills the corner, partly concealing the stable, while a bougainvillea and clematis provide balance on the other side. Large terracotta pots of Phoenix canariensis and Cyperus papyrus give sculptural interest, while herbs and scented shrubs fill the space with fragrance and also provide food and cover to the many species of butterflies and moths. Several kinds of mint feature - an essential ingredient for Moroccan tea making.

Chris is absolutely delighted to have been awarded a Silver medal by the RHS at the 2008 Chelsea flower show for this garden design. For more information about SPANA please visit their website.
Additional images © Virginia Grey

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2007 - Shinglesea

In autumn 2006 I applied to stage my first garden at an RHS show and Shinglesea was accepted for the Chelsea Flower Show 2007. The design brought together my three passions: railways, the seaside and, of course, gardens. It was inspired by the old holiday railway carriages at Winchelsea Beach in Sussex and those at Dungeness, Kent. The garden featured drought tolerant plants that would withstand the wind, rain and salt air that are the constant companions in this situation. The backdrop to the garden was the full size facade of a Victorian railway carriage, lovingly recreated by my good friend Robert Patch. A fence made from weathered chestnut palings enclosed the garden which featured an old, wooden dinghy, surrounded by native planting. There was no soil in the garden, instead five tonnes of shingle were imported to recreate an authentic environment for the plants.