RHS Chelsea flower show

RHS Chelsea Flower Show © Nigel Dunnett

In this garden, Nigel Dunnett highlighted the preciousness of water as a valuable resource. The form of the garden was based on the Paradise Garden concept, where water was celebrated in a dry and arid climate, and rich green enclosed gardens were a cool oasis in the parched surrounding landscape. To heighten the association with aridity, the focus of the garden was a recreated Trulli building, with a stacked drystone roof.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show © Steven Wooster

My role involved supporting the head gardener and team in maintaining and enhancing the garden’s aesthetic and health. Key responsibilities included planting, pruning, weeding, and watering a diverse array of plants.

I also assisted in the preparation and design of hard landscape features, ensuring that the garden is visually appealing and well-kept. Additionally, I monitored plant health daily, identified pest issues, and helped with soil preparation.

My role  also involved interacting with visitors, providing them with information about the plants and the garden’s features. Overall, I contributed to creating a welcoming and vibrant environment for all garden visitors,ensuring Nigel Dunnett’s criteria and wishes for his design were met.

In a show garden, achieving perfection is essential for several reasons, ranging from aesthetic appeal and competition standards to marketing and personal satisfaction. Our goal as a team was to meet the high expectations of various stakeholders, from judges and visitors to sponsors and the designers themselves.

In addition, I wanted to ensure that the garden fulfilled its purpose of inspiring and educating all its visitors about dry landscapes.