As of Tuesday 3rd May, the epic task of building an RHS Chelsea Flower Show main avenue garden has begun. Joining the planting team on the final two days are four Perennial trainee gardeners from the charity’s Leeds and West Suffolk gardens, which open to the public to raise funds, alongside the Laskett in Herefordshire.
They and 50 plus people have just 18 days to turn a 22 metre by 10 metre space into a forensically perfect garden at the world’s most famous flower show.
The Perennial Garden ‘With Love’ echoes Richard’s belief that gardens are a gift of love between those who create and nurture them and those who visit and enjoy them. Adding, “I’ve been planning this garden for two years and I’m grateful and excited to see it coming to fruition. It’s a privilege to be part of an organisation that gives something back to our horticultural family of growers, designers, gardeners, landscapers and grounds staff.”
The garden is packed with Richard Miers design hallmarks. It is structured, elegant, and classically contemporary, in a palette of green with soft white and plum undertones. Carrying a ‘With Love’ message to the horticulture industry, the garden’s main avenue appearance is a first for both the 183-year old charity and the designer. They hope it will raise awareness of, and support for, the free information, advice and support Perennial provides people in horticulture and their families.
Among those involved in bringing Richard’s vision to life are plenty of hopeful trainee gardeners looking to learn as much as they can from the experience: Gary Bean and Jason Gotts are based at Fullers Mill, West Stow; Kate Holliday is a month into her job as a trainee gardener at Perennial’s York Gate gardens; Joining Kate from York Gate is Tom Nicholls.
Peter Newman, Perennial’s chief executive says: “This beautiful garden represents the very best of horticulture – art, craft, skill, collaboration and love are all present in abundance. We are very excited about how powerfully it will reach those who need our help. A show garden at the world’s greatest flower show is also a unique way for us to reach an audience of supporters who understand the importance of building better futures for those who work in the industry.
Take a virtual walk around the garden here https://perennial.org.uk/home/gardens/the-perennial-garden-rhs-chelsea-2022/