@AnniD I saw one garden with flowers which were still in bud on judging day and, as Joe Swift pointed out, that would have lost marks. They were in full bloom on the Tuesday but that's too late for the judging. It's small things like that that can lose a point and it only takes a few to miss being gold. Being a familiar design with nothing new would also have lost points.
@bcpathome I found the piece with Chris Beardshaw about how he came to his design for the RNLI was fascinating but he always does do his research and his planting combos are matchless. Not a lifeboat in sight either so no clichés.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
The piece on how Chris Beardshaw designed the garden, with RNLI references, without making it a pastiche, was very interesting. I have been lucky enough to see 2 of his Chelsea gardens in real life, and his planting is superb.
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
I've seen several @punkdoc - used to be my annual treat to go to Chelsea on the Tuesday - and his planting is always superb and, even better, when he's there he's happy to chat. Lovely man and great designer who really knows his plants.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
@chicky See what you mean regarding the Neon sign, the judges were probably looking for something unusual to fit The Laskett theme. When I visited it was in need of some TLC. The National Trust decided not to take it on so it was wonderful when Perennial got involved. At the time my local Garden Club raised alot of money to support Perennial and all their wonderful work. We also visited York Gate and Fuller's Mill.
@AnguisFragilis You are disappointed that I haven't been able to follow everything you said, gardening can be complex if that is what you want to make it. From a gardening perspective your Hedera helix would be better growing on a wall.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
@chicky See what you mean regarding the Neon sign, the judges were probably looking for something unusual to fit The Laskett theme. When I visited it was in need of some TLC. The National Trust decided not to take it on so it was wonderful when Perennial got involved. At the time my local Garden Club raised alot of money to support Perennial and all their wonderful work. We also visited York Gate and Fuller's Mill.
@AnguisFragilis You are disappointed that I haven't been able to follow everything you said, gardening can be complex if that is what you want to make it. From a gardening perspective your Hedera helix would be better growing on a wall.
I was disappointed that finding it complex resulted in switching off to it altogether. At least that’s how it came across.
I think one of the most encouraging things I've taken from this year's Chelsea (and this thread) is that people are finally understanding that wildlife gardening doesn't have to be messy! I chat to so many fellow-gardeners who still think this myth is a reality and it sort of slightly shocks and depresses me, because I've realised that it genuinely prevents so many well-meaning but misinformed people from joining in!
Just read this whole thread. Thank you @AnguisFragilis for a very considered and informative contribution. Thank you to others too from the other side of the argument.
From my point of view, as an environmentalist (not an ecologist), I usually ignore Chelsea - too much resources consumed for a frivolous, temporary 'splash' that says little about gardening and much about the superficial nature of our culture (it's a good thing I don't suffer from vertigo, this horse is very high). However this year it has hit it's mark 100% - it's highlighted an issue, created a debate and got people thinking.
Brilliant - great to see.
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Posts
Classical design (with a twist) might not be de rigeueur …but it still tugs at the heartstrings 🥰
….and no , the neon sign was not the reason they lost points
I'm sure the atmosphere will be fantastic today.
@bcpathome I found the piece with Chris Beardshaw about how he came to his design for the RNLI was fascinating but he always does do his research and his planting combos are matchless. Not a lifeboat in sight either so no clichés.
I have been lucky enough to see 2 of his Chelsea gardens in real life, and his planting is superb.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
At the time my local Garden Club raised alot of money to support Perennial and all their wonderful work. We also visited York Gate and Fuller's Mill.
@AnguisFragilis You are disappointed that I haven't been able to follow everything you said, gardening can be complex if that is what you want to make it.
From a gardening perspective your Hedera helix would be better growing on a wall.
From my point of view, as an environmentalist (not an ecologist), I usually ignore Chelsea - too much resources consumed for a frivolous, temporary 'splash' that says little about gardening and much about the superficial nature of our culture (it's a good thing I don't suffer from vertigo, this horse is very high). However this year it has hit it's mark 100% - it's highlighted an issue, created a debate and got people thinking.
Brilliant - great to see.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”