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 would raise awareness of, and support for, the free information, advice and support Perennial provides people in horticulture and their families.
Packed into the allocated 22 metre by 10 metre space were all the hallmarks of a Richard Miers’ garden. Structured, classically contemporary and elegant, with a green palette of soft white and plum undertones. Trees and shrubs include flat-topped hawthorns, multi-stemmed Parrotia persica, domes of Taxus baccata and Prunus lusitanica, with Hornbeam hedging. Rachel Sampson headed up the planting team which included two days of help from four Perennial trainee gardeners.
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. 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.
And the garden succeeded in securing two awards, a silver medal and the “People’s Choice” Award.
Responding to the news, Peter Newman, Perennial’s chief executive said.
“To be recognised by ‘The People’ as their favourite garden at Chelsea 2022 is overwhelming. Richard Miers’ extraordinary design for the Perennial Garden ‘With Love’ has generated such a positive response from everyone who has seen it. We are simply thrilled with how effectively it has shared our message of love and support for everyone in the industry.”
Responding to the news, Richard Miers, designer of the Perennial Garden ‘With Love’ said,
“Wow! You voted and we won! The Perennial Garden ‘With Love’ by Richard Miers is the RHS People’s Choice for 2022.
“A huge thank you to everyone who voted. And to the thousands of people who came to see the garden.
“We’ve talked about everything from hawthorns and wildlife to who you’d share our Alfred Lord Tennyson quote with: If I had a flower for every time I thought of you.
“This Award is even more special because it helps to raise awareness of, and support for, Perennial, the charity supporting everyone working with plants, trees, flowers and grass.
“I consider myself one of the lucky ones, but a life in horticulture can be precarious. Perennial are here for the people in our industry when they need it the most.”