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Show Gardens contd.
Reflections on a Tateshina Meadow
(Silver Gilt) Designer Kay Yamada recreated an alpine meadow from the Nagano prefecture, Japan, for Kowa Creative Art.
A wild meadow was dotted with yellow hemerocallis, geranium, iris, aquilegia, lysimachia and hosta, all native to the area, amidst grasses. The effect was amazingly natural and the dominant clear primrose-yellow a refreshing shift from the colour schemes elsewhere in the show.
In one corner a deck painted in faded blue and spacious enough for dining enabled visitors to look out over the meadow. Backed by plantings of viburnums and adorned by spiral topiary and clematis the deck, spanning a small stream, represented the meeting of east and west in the design - the classic teak table was set for an English tea.
Bird Garden
(Silver Gilt) Developed for the RSPB and Severn Trent Water by Patrick Garland this garden aimed to demonstrate how birds could be encouraged in a contemporary inner city garden.
Designer Patrick Garland used gabions to form a walkway to a terrace that 'floated' over a water garden. Large boulders surrounded the modern-styled terrace and linked it to the wild look of the surrounding garden. Lilac chairs and a green glass cube table were provided for relaxing and entertaining, and to view avian visitors.
Hard shapes and orange retaining walls made the 'look' of the garden contemporary rather than rustic and 'wild'; a change from many of this year's Chelsea gardens. The garden was set on the diagonal of the plot and visitors viewed it from two sides, with some lovely paper birches positioned on the corner.
Planting included both native and non-native species, all selected for their value to wildlife - either as food or as a safe place for nesting or rest. Berberis fell into both categories - it's spiky branches providing safety and the berries food. A purple-plum colour theme was created with alliums, alchemilla, heuchera, Geranium phaeum, aquilegias, salvias, knautia, plum-leaved heuchera, thyme, euphorbia and lupins.
Flashes of yellow-orange were introduced with trollius and golden foliage from the golden-leaved hop, while dusky pink verbascums and foxgloves complemented the colour theme but introduced a change in form. Spikes and sword-like leaves from iris and purple-leaved phormiums broke up mounds of planting and the divided leaves of Helleborus foetidus, and English native, introduced a new texture.
Pear-Tree House
(Silver-Gilt) A tree house designed along the lines of a Balinese long-house. Designer MV Landscapes used themes familiar to those who have visited this enchanted island. Bamboo, timber and water were all used to create a tranquil atmosphere, the water running down the stair t the tree house itself. Bamboo blinds provided screening in the tree house and planting used bamboos, and tropical-look plants.
Marie Curie Cancer Cure
(Silver) Extremely popular with Show visitors the 'French' garden drew a steady stream of spectators to its faded house façade and romantically planted borders. Birches and laburnum proved height next to the house while a row of poplars backed a small, neglected orchard behind the conservatory-styled laboratory representing Marie Curie's discovery of radium.
An antique bicycle and café table, complete with potted red geraniums, were placed on a terrace outside the house. Shallow steps led to a sloping lawn, borders and down to the laboratory. A low stone retaining wall was planted at the foot and gravel, that very French element, filled the area outside the laboratory.
Planting was full and varied, with the colouring in purple and blue and cream with contrasts from lime euphorbias, golden foliage variegated grasses; all consistent with this year's Show themes.
Cottage plants and wildings such as foxgloves lent a slightly neglected air to the garden. Alliums were in evidence as were the plum-leaved heucheras so widely used this year.
Ribbons of pansies fronted borders crammed with roses, dianthus, salvias, thalictrum, Campanula persicifolia, scabious, alchemilla, lavender, heuchera, bearded iris, brunnera, Crambe cordifolia and nepeta. Shrubs included viburnum, lilac, golden catalpa, Choisya ternata, cornus, hazel and cytisus.
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Reflections on a Tateshina Meadow
Ready for an English tea
The Bird Garden - a contemporary garden for wildlife
A purple-plum colour theme with bird friendly plants
The terrace that 'floated' over a water garden
Balinese style Treehouse Garden
Marie Curie Garden - faded French elegance
Cottage plants and wild flowers in informal borders | |
