June Gardening Newsletter
Bloom 2017
This year, the show did not disappoint with some of the finest Irish designers showcasing their talents. The winning show garden, designed by Oliver and Liat Schurmann for FBD called 'Transitions' was simple and elegant. Based on the tides seen from their holiday home in the west of Ireland, they created a tidal garden that would rise and fall each hour. This exposed cleverly positioned rocks, mimicking the seashore giving the impression of a living space influenced by the elements.
The ‘Living Oasis by Santa Rita “Living La Vida 120” designed by Kevin Dennis was also a firm favourite. The space was filled with a mixture of soft, naturalised planting which sat comfortably alongside a calm body of water, under a formal pavilion.
There is a definite trend repeatedly seen in garden design with the use of soft textured grasses interspersed with the occasional pop of colour.
Aquilegias and irises have definitely stepped up to the mark as have salvias and lupins.
The Teagasc Garden of Hope designed by Laura Cassin, Louise Jones and Linda Murphy for Pieta House. (Winner of the People's Choice Award)
‘Everyone has a Dream’ designed by Leonie Cornelius at Woodie’s (Small Gardens Category)
Chelsea Flower Show 2017 The end of last month saw the transformation of the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the annual Chelsea Flower Show, one of the most prestigious RHS shows in Britain. It was a great experience seeing the gardens first-hand but somewhat disappointing to see that the show had been scaled back dramatically in comparison to previous years. Some of the stand out gardens included the Silk Road Garden (top photo) designed by Laurie Chetwood and Patrick Collins as a nod to the culture of Chengdu, the capital of the ancient Chinese Shu kingdom. One of my personal favourites was the Morgan Stanley Garden designed by Chris Beardshaw. This garden featured a stunning limestone and oak loggia surrounded by lush colourful planting. It was also the winner of the People's Choice Award. Other gardens of note included the Royal Bank of Canada Garden designed by Charlotte Harris which emulated a boreal forest. It included a striking burnt larch wood canopy and native plants inspired by the landscape.
Silk Road Garden
The Morgan Stanley Garden designed by Chris Beardshaw
The Royal Bank of Canada Garden designed by Charlotte Harris
Gardens to Visit - Chelsea Physic Garden During my visit to the Chelsea Flower Show, I indulged in a visit to the Chelsea Physic Garden, a medicinal plant garden established in 1673 and one of the oldest botanic gardens in Britain. This is a fantastic little gem hidden away in Chelsea, filled to the brim with lots of fascinating plants all revered for their medicinal properties.
We were treated to a guided tour of the garden and of course we filled up on lavender scones and clotted cream before heading on to the flower show! This garden is definitely worth a visit if you are visiting London and want to see something a little off the beaten track.
The Family Beds in the Chelsea Physic Garden
Phoenix Park Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden A little bit closer to home is the walled kitchen garden which many of you may have seen whilst visiting Bloom. This garden is filled with trained fruit trees, fruit bushes, vegetables and a striking double herbaceous border which runs through the centre of the garden. Best of all, it's free in and open all year round so do make sure to visit the next time you are in the Phoenix Park.
Feel free to share this newsletter and most importantly Happy Gardening Everyone! Hazel www.hazelproctor.com
