Part Two of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
After covering two RHS flower shows in the past few weeks, Chatsworth and Hampton Court Palace, I’ve identified a common thread running through all the RHS shows this year, and that is ‘nature and nurture’ using reclaimed and recycled elements and sustainable planting schemes. Most of the gardens have been designed to attract wildlife, and with ‘wellness’ being the new buzz word, living walls that are both ornamental and edible are also a highlight at the shows. Chelsea is certainly the biggest show stopper with designers going all out to impress the judges and the crowds.
In the August issue I showcased the Gold Winners of the Show Gardens and the new category ‘Space to Grow’ gardens. In our spring issue I’d like to feature the quirky Artisan Gardens that won Gold.
A PALACE play garden in the woods
Colourful performers amidst the verdant forest hues included varieties of alliums, astrantias, geums, salvia, foxgloves, lupins, buddleja, purple and bearded irises and verbascum. Not only were flowers, foliage and grasses intensively planted, but vegetable and herbs were also seamlessly woven into the themes.
Before I move on, I feel I must include the Back to Nature Garden, which was co-designed by The Duchess of Cambridge and landscape architects Davies and White. A perfect example of a natural garden using branches from the forest to create play areas including a gorgeous tree house, logs for children to crawl through, a waterfall and a wooden ramp to help the children cross the meandering stream. It was amazing to see what can be achieved in a tiny space with careful and creative thought. Literally, I felt as if I’d stepped into the Delamere Forest in Cheshire, it was so realistically planted.
This story is from the September 2019 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2019 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Touch of Class
A cut above the rest and attractive enough to fill all the spaces you can see in your garden or in pots...
Bordering on food aggression!
The economy, fires, drought, Russians, fuel prices, and politicians, dictated what we ate in my youth. The only exception was that Eskom worked...
Quarantining new koi fish
Give your new koi the best start
Big deal GLADIOLI
To get balance in a flower bed, we rely on tall flowering plants to provide height and show off amazing blooms. One of our favourites to plant are gladioli. They might look impressive, come in some gorgeous colours, and are great for a vase, but they are also easy to grow with a few golden rules.
PRETTY FILLER Scabiosa
There are over 70 varieties of Scabiosa (pincushion flower) in both the annuals and perennials categories with arguably some of the best ones local to our country, and excellent pollinator attractors too.
TRIPLE treat
A floral combo that's bursting with colour
CHLOROSIS how to fix it
Chlorosis is not a death sentence for your plants. With prompt identification and the right interventions, you can restore your plants to their lush, vibrant selves.
COREOPSIS 'UpTick'
For an easy-to-grow, tough perennial, with masses of pretty blooms, plant Coreopsis hybrids and watch the bees and butterflies come into your garden.
Decorative Dahlias
With a little basic care, you can grow these showstopping plants in your own backyard with minimal effort.
The beauty of BEGONIAS
For endless colour and a garden that looks vibrant throughout the seasons, these are your go-to choices.