The Chelsea Flower Show is an annual treat that seems to come around faster every year. My highlights this year included The Telegraph Garden by Marcus Barnett, The Beauty of Islam by Kamelia Bin Zaal, and The Pure Land Foundation Garden by Fernando Gonzalez, a small poetic garden that combined emotions in an imaginative and beautiful way. It reminded me of Barcelona, one of my favourite cities wonderful architecture of Antoni Gaudí. I loved it and think they would have got more than a silver gilt medal if they had focused more on the Gaudí influence. I spoke to the designer about how difficult it is to get sponsors for a Chelsea garden when you’re an unknown name.
Dan Pearson won Best in Show for his Laurent-Perrier Chatsworth Garden, inspired by a Trout Stream and rockery in corner of the garden of the Derbyshire stately home Chatsworth House. It wasn’t to my taste but disagreeing with the judges is part of the fun of Chelsea. I think this garden won Best in Show because it took a fresher approach than The Daily Telegraph Garden, which was my best in show.
Sean Murray’s garden, the winner of the BBC’s Great Chelsea Garden Challenge, both delighted and surprised. It delighted with its beauty and surprised by being sharp and contained. It highlighted the issue of front gardens being paved over for off-street parking. It was lovely that the other contestants from the show were on hand to support Sean. I do hope the BBC and the RHS make this an annual event.
