Hampton Court Flower Show
As one of the biggest events on the horticultural calendar gets underway, one Surrey landscaper tells us about his design and his collaboration with local students
Named ‘The Clints and Grykes Garden’ Benedict Green's design is inspired by his memory of going to the Burren, a National Park in Ireland underlain by limestone. “I remember having to walk over the little cracks and all these wild flowers and lush plants were hidden away. It was then always in the back of my mind that maybe it would be an interesting idea to do a show garden.”
Benedict has taken this visual idea to create a garden that encourages the use of an alternative to water worn limestone in garden settings. His entry has a flat pale surface which hides the planting until you are directly over it, something Benedict says is a "metaphor for how often beautiful things are in life what we fit between the cracks."
As a part-time lecturer at Merrist Wood College, Benedict felt it would be a great opportunity to involve some of his current students.
“I know I found it helpful when I went along to show gardens, because unless your building one yourself you don’t get to see how it all works and it’s also good to get second opinions from people who have had design training.”
This is the first flower show Benedict has entered and he thinks that the relaxed atmosphere makes it a great show for people who have never been to a show to visit.
"At Chelsea there is no room for ever and designers generally play it safe, whereas at Hampton Court people are willing to take a few more risks and do something interesting."
Aside from Benedict, there are many other Surrey residents hoping to impress the RHS judges at this year’s show.
Surrey Heath Borough Council have lent their support to Army Wives with their garden ‘A Moveable Feast’. Situated within the Escape Zone the exhibit is a representation of the Flourish grow your own course and the reality for army family’s that relocation is a constant consideration. The garden uses colourful containers planted predominantly with bright colours and species that will benefit insects.
Meanwhile, Raine Garden Design of Haslemere will be exhibiting at this year’s show with their garden ‘Layers and Links’ which celebrates the diverse and dynamic nature of modern Britain while drawing on influences from around the world.
