Designing a Chelsea Show Garden: The Thrill of the
Northern Green: January 2018
Designing a Chelsea Show Garden: The Thrill of the Show Andrew Wilson
Introduction The Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show is the greatest show on earth for gardeners, plantaholics and garden designers alike. Garden designer Andrew Wilson was an assessor and judge for 17 years at Chelsea having a say in how the medals were awarded. Eventually in 2013 he returned to Chelsea as an exhibitor. Show gardens have been a part of the Chelsea Flower Show since the early C20 when rock gardens were first demonstrated on what is still called the Rock Bank. This runs along the front of the show gardens alongside the River Thames. The RHS receives approximately 60 submissions for show gardens each year when only 20 spaces exist. This means that a panel of experts is needed to select the best designs which create this amazing show. The show gardens fall into a number of different categories: The largest show gardens measure 10m x 22m and can be found along Main Avenue, the road along the eastern side of the Great Pavilion. In many ways these dramatic exhibits form the heart and the centrepieces of the show. They can cost between £200 – 500k. The smaller show gardens measure 10m x 12m although some this year are slightly larger. These gardens range from £80 – 150k and offer less well known designers a way into the show at a lower level of sponsorship. A range of smaller gardens are also included in the show which range in cost from £20 £80k. Some may be much less expensive and will use free labour and materials because they are produced by amateur societies and volunteers. 1
The larger show gardens are planned more than a year in advance and take 3 weeks to build and plant. The smaller gardens are planned 9 months in advance and are created in only 10 days. The show ground is a football (soccer) pitch for the rest of the year.
Why design a show garden? There are many reasons why people design show gardens for Chelsea and several recent designers give their views. “It's hard work and fun. You meet a lot of people and work with a team which you don't necessarily get to do much of as a garden designer. It also brings incredible publicity and PR but from Chelsea a global recognition.” Andy Sturgeon “I first got involved building them for other people but it did not take time to work out that people were building careers around it. I'm really not sure the opportunities I have now would have been there without the show gardens.” Adam Frost “We like to experiment with show gardens, using new materials or planting in ways that clients might not always consider – they provide a great platform too, reaching a wider public.” Andrew Wilson & Gavin McWilliam “It gives you the opportunity to be your own client: you get to design a garden and be involved in every part of the build which is a luxury in everyday life.” Jo Thompson “Show gardens allow you much more creative freedom than normal gardens. The adrenaline rush up to and during build can be addictive and finally I love the team work and camaraderie.” Catherine MacDonald “Travel, meeting and sharing first-hand the work of other designers, developing a reputation too as each show brings greater access to the wider world through publicity.” James Basson
What are the benefits? Public access – garden design can be solitary. Promotion and publicity Networking on several levels Working with specialists Working with contractors Working with nurseries Longer term relationships
2
Ongoing relationships Many designers find that they open themselves up to a wider client base with many relationships lasting long into the future.
Successful applications All designers and their sponsors have to submit their designs to the RHS in order to be approved for the show. This application process is open to anybody in the world but applicants need realistic financial backing, preferably a contractor with experience at the show and a strong design idea well illustrated and explained.
Show garden construction The constructed or built part of the show gardens has become a major aspect of successful show gardens but also a major expense. Structures and foundations need to be checked for strength with structural engineers and most built elements are in some way prefabricated in order to fit into the tight timescales. Applications are made to the RHS in July/August with agreement given by October and then a busy research, design and build period before going on site with 15 days build and planting allowed before the show opens. Many designers enjoy this period of research and pre-build as the show gardens give them the opportunity to experiment with new ideas and materials.
Show garden planting Similarly planting has to be designed early in the design process in order to source and obtain the correct species in the quantities required. Specialist nurseries and growers will be used to support the design requirements with many designers sourcing their larger stock in the nurseries of Western Europe. Many designers struggle with the need to be clear headed and true to their design concepts as nerves can affect their thinking. Many are over ambitious for their planting and it is essential to consider that the show, which takes place in the last week of May, is still classed as a spring show. The weather can play havoc with planting and many designers have found themselves with leafless trees come the day of judgement.
Planting density In reality no-one plants their gardens in the way in which they plant at Chelsea – up to 20 plants per sq m is typical although it is also important not to cram plants together. Nobody visits Chelsea to see bare soil and the gardens have to feel permanent and mature. There is an important balance in achieving a sense of maturity and providing a breathing plant association.
Detail Larger scale trees are planted early in the build but they have to go deep enough to allow for planting on top of the rootball. 3
Judges still like to pick up on good horticultural practice – for example, Germanica iris rhizomes need to be on the ground surface so designers often cut pot edges away and lift them inside their pots. Trees and hedging stock will generally go in first as part of the early build. The lifting gear is around at this time and sometimes built elements have to cross or bridge root balls. Storage at Chelsea is often very tight as the show ground is one of the smallest used by the RHS. Stock often gets moved around before planting. Designers need to consider the care of the plants once they leave the nurseries for delivery to the show ground.
Teams and programmes Time frames differ from one garden category to another. Generally, a week of planting on the longer build period of 15 days works well. Most designers aim to be finished with a day to spare before assessment takes place to provide a time buffer in case of emergencies. This also gives plants time to settle and turn to the light and also to allow the team to clean and smarten up the stock.
Judging Assessment and judging take place over the weekend prior to the opening of the show. Medals are announced on the Tuesday morning of Chelsea week and then the designer has to feed the media frenzy and the questions from the crowds who visit. 157,000 people visit the show across the week – often all asking the same questions! The winning of a gold medal however is like no other feeling I can think of! Andrew Wilson, Wilson McWilliam Studio, www.wmstudio.co.uk
4
Designing a Chelsea Show Garden: The Thrill of the Show Andrew Wilson
Introduction The Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show is the greatest show on earth for gardeners, plantaholics and garden designers alike. Garden designer Andrew Wilson was an assessor and judge for 17 years at Chelsea having a say in how the medals were awarded. Eventually in 2013 he returned to Chelsea as an exhibitor. Show gardens have been a part of the Chelsea Flower Show since the early C20 when rock gardens were first demonstrated on what is still called the Rock Bank. This runs along the front of the show gardens alongside the River Thames. The RHS receives approximately 60 submissions for show gardens each year when only 20 spaces exist. This means that a panel of experts is needed to select the best designs which create this amazing show. The show gardens fall into a number of different categories: The largest show gardens measure 10m x 22m and can be found along Main Avenue, the road along the eastern side of the Great Pavilion. In many ways these dramatic exhibits form the heart and the centrepieces of the show. They can cost between £200 – 500k. The smaller show gardens measure 10m x 12m although some this year are slightly larger. These gardens range from £80 – 150k and offer less well known designers a way into the show at a lower level of sponsorship. A range of smaller gardens are also included in the show which range in cost from £20 £80k. Some may be much less expensive and will use free labour and materials because they are produced by amateur societies and volunteers. 1
The larger show gardens are planned more than a year in advance and take 3 weeks to build and plant. The smaller gardens are planned 9 months in advance and are created in only 10 days. The show ground is a football (soccer) pitch for the rest of the year.
Why design a show garden? There are many reasons why people design show gardens for Chelsea and several recent designers give their views. “It's hard work and fun. You meet a lot of people and work with a team which you don't necessarily get to do much of as a garden designer. It also brings incredible publicity and PR but from Chelsea a global recognition.” Andy Sturgeon “I first got involved building them for other people but it did not take time to work out that people were building careers around it. I'm really not sure the opportunities I have now would have been there without the show gardens.” Adam Frost “We like to experiment with show gardens, using new materials or planting in ways that clients might not always consider – they provide a great platform too, reaching a wider public.” Andrew Wilson & Gavin McWilliam “It gives you the opportunity to be your own client: you get to design a garden and be involved in every part of the build which is a luxury in everyday life.” Jo Thompson “Show gardens allow you much more creative freedom than normal gardens. The adrenaline rush up to and during build can be addictive and finally I love the team work and camaraderie.” Catherine MacDonald “Travel, meeting and sharing first-hand the work of other designers, developing a reputation too as each show brings greater access to the wider world through publicity.” James Basson
What are the benefits? Public access – garden design can be solitary. Promotion and publicity Networking on several levels Working with specialists Working with contractors Working with nurseries Longer term relationships
2
Ongoing relationships Many designers find that they open themselves up to a wider client base with many relationships lasting long into the future.
Successful applications All designers and their sponsors have to submit their designs to the RHS in order to be approved for the show. This application process is open to anybody in the world but applicants need realistic financial backing, preferably a contractor with experience at the show and a strong design idea well illustrated and explained.
Show garden construction The constructed or built part of the show gardens has become a major aspect of successful show gardens but also a major expense. Structures and foundations need to be checked for strength with structural engineers and most built elements are in some way prefabricated in order to fit into the tight timescales. Applications are made to the RHS in July/August with agreement given by October and then a busy research, design and build period before going on site with 15 days build and planting allowed before the show opens. Many designers enjoy this period of research and pre-build as the show gardens give them the opportunity to experiment with new ideas and materials.
Show garden planting Similarly planting has to be designed early in the design process in order to source and obtain the correct species in the quantities required. Specialist nurseries and growers will be used to support the design requirements with many designers sourcing their larger stock in the nurseries of Western Europe. Many designers struggle with the need to be clear headed and true to their design concepts as nerves can affect their thinking. Many are over ambitious for their planting and it is essential to consider that the show, which takes place in the last week of May, is still classed as a spring show. The weather can play havoc with planting and many designers have found themselves with leafless trees come the day of judgement.
Planting density In reality no-one plants their gardens in the way in which they plant at Chelsea – up to 20 plants per sq m is typical although it is also important not to cram plants together. Nobody visits Chelsea to see bare soil and the gardens have to feel permanent and mature. There is an important balance in achieving a sense of maturity and providing a breathing plant association.
Detail Larger scale trees are planted early in the build but they have to go deep enough to allow for planting on top of the rootball. 3
Judges still like to pick up on good horticultural practice – for example, Germanica iris rhizomes need to be on the ground surface so designers often cut pot edges away and lift them inside their pots. Trees and hedging stock will generally go in first as part of the early build. The lifting gear is around at this time and sometimes built elements have to cross or bridge root balls. Storage at Chelsea is often very tight as the show ground is one of the smallest used by the RHS. Stock often gets moved around before planting. Designers need to consider the care of the plants once they leave the nurseries for delivery to the show ground.
Teams and programmes Time frames differ from one garden category to another. Generally, a week of planting on the longer build period of 15 days works well. Most designers aim to be finished with a day to spare before assessment takes place to provide a time buffer in case of emergencies. This also gives plants time to settle and turn to the light and also to allow the team to clean and smarten up the stock.
Judging Assessment and judging take place over the weekend prior to the opening of the show. Medals are announced on the Tuesday morning of Chelsea week and then the designer has to feed the media frenzy and the questions from the crowds who visit. 157,000 people visit the show across the week – often all asking the same questions! The winning of a gold medal however is like no other feeling I can think of! Andrew Wilson, Wilson McWilliam Studio, www.wmstudio.co.uk
4
