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Welcome
Horticulture has long been a popular medium for telling one's stories, turning memories and experiences into living masterpieces, from every seed to structure, they can tell a story. The gardens at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show are no exception, with the overarching theme of ‘your space, your story’, designers are giving us a living glimpse into either their personal lives, cherished memories or even cultural histories to name a few.
From debut designer Katy Terry’s The ADHD Foundation Garden (see page 90), which was inspired by her own diagnosis back in 2023, a neurodivergent condition that despite a recent uptake in awareness is still facing misconceptions. To Manoj Malde’s Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden (see page 72), which shares the story of Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas’ HIV diagnoses – a virus that since being discovered in the 80s has been met with high levels of stigma and outright prejudice. So often we are focused on the benefits of nature (and rightly so), but rarely do we consider what is the garden/space is trying to tell us? Yes, gardens are a haven for wildlife, they serve as a comforting space to be in, and they are just one piece of our earth’s fragile ecosystem, but they can also be a canvas for the things that words simply cannot do justice to.
Bethany
13
Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2025
Find out who took home the awards, as well as this year’s Supreme Winner in our coverage of the ceremony
18
From Chelsea Relics to Industry Revival
What Mark Gregory has in store for Landform Consultants’ new Glasshouse Collective.
33
Let’s Hear It From…
Harry Holding
Designer and avid grower, Harry Holding on designing last year’s RHS No Adults
Allowed Garden
53
39
Geometric Urban Living
Step into this award-winning garden by Tom Howard Garden Design and Landscaping where space is no limitation
45
On the Upward Slope
JPB Landscapes returns to this client’s garden to create a multifunctional outdoor space fit for all ages
53
Insect’s Eye View
From the grounds of Chelsea to Stratford Cross; how this Tom Massey show garden will live on to support biodiversity
72
Stopping the Stigma
Rugby legend Gareth Thomas is using the main stage at Chelsea to tell his story about living with HIV
82
Breaking the Mould
Nigel Dunnet makes his return to world of Chelsea with a garden outside of his usual show garden portfolio
90
Celebrating Neurodiversity
Debut designer Katy Terry is using her own ADHD diagnoses to create an immersive space that celebrates human differences
22
Get Chelsea Ready
Director of C J Landscapes, Carl Jones shares what he wishes he’d known for his first time at Chelsea
25
Cultivating Change
According to Sam Moore, AI is no longer the future - it’s the now and it’s the foundation for serving modern day excellence
95
High-tech Horticulture
Clare Matterson on how the science and technology showcased in this year’s gardens at Chelsea are a boon for horticulture
28
Don't Let the Ground Break You Callum Hewitt from The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital shares his advice on how to prevent the common aches and pains associated with working outdoors
31
Word to the Wise Oracle Solicitors’ Kai Sammer on how putting everything into writing can save you a legal battle down the line
99
Little Interviews
Get to know more about these Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 alumni
Cover image: The Hospitalfield Arts Garden by Nigel Dunnett
FIRST GARDENS ANNOUNCED FOR RHS HAMPTON COURT 2025
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2025 previews its first gardens before July.
RHS Healer’s Hollow, designed by Jude Yeo and Emily Grayshaw is set in British woodland nd explores the health and wellbeing of plants.
RHS Vertigo, designed by Adolfo Harrison,
connects nature with architecture, promoting wildlife habitats, carbon capture and cleaner air in urban gardens.
A new category for 2025, Gardens of Curiosity features gardens intended to spark inquisitiveness. This includes A Garden of Two Tales, designed by David March; with ornamental structures.
A Woodland Edge, designed by Nicholas Navarro is a garden rooted in ecology, focused on woodland edges. Illusion 2050, designed by Kitti Kovacs is a futuristic garden predicting what gardens might look like in 25 years.
Aster of Senses, designed by Yoni Carnice plans to stimulate the connection with nature.
Four new Show Gardens have also been
ROUNDUP Industry Updates
ROSEBANK EXPANDS WITH NEW STUDIO IN THE COTSWOLDS
London-based Rosebank is opening a second studio in the Cotswolds, its growing demand for its services from both regional and national clients. It will also start to offer its construction services to a selection of designers each year, where previously its construction teams have exclusively built from designs produced in-house. Both are to help broaden Rosebank’s market reach. Its new studio is based just 10 minutes outside of Cirencester, a location that has been carefully chosen to capture key affluent areas throughout
the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire and into the likes of Bath, Bristol, Wiltshire and the southwest. It will offer the same bespoke design and build services as its studio in Chiswick, London.
Matt Keightley, co-founder and creative director of the landscape design and build practice, says it want “to ensure we are providing a seamless experience, whether clients are based in London or further afield. The Cotswolds provides an ideal setting for creativity, and we’re excited to bring our unique vision to this thriving part of the UK.”
announced, including The Subaru Cocoon, designed by Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Mathews. The garden will represent UK’s temperate rainforests with a jali wall.
Surrey County Council: Reclaiming Spaces, Creating Healthy Streets, designed by Helen Currie, Steve Dimmock and Diego Carrillo is a reimagined parking space and street. The garden plans to create a safe, resilient, but beautiful garden with low maintenance plants. The Three Graces of Galicia, designed by Nilufer Danis honours three influential 19th century Spanish women; Galicia, Rosalia de Castro, and Emilia Pardo Bazan.
Finally, Charleston 250, designed by Sadie May Stowell celebrates the city, Charleston.
BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN COULD BE KEY TO UNLOCKING ANTIDEVELOPMENT SUPPORT, NEW POLL FINDS
In a poll from biodiversity tech start-up Joe’s Blooms, it was found that a majority of those opposed to the government’s 1.5M housing target think all new developments should look to actively improve nature.
Of the 14K people surveyed, three-quarters (75%) believe all new housing projects should include the creation of green space or habitat banks. Over a third of those (36%) say those green spaces should be established locally instead of in other parts of the country. Nearly half (49%) cite a loss in green space or environmental damage as a key factor in resisting local housebuilding.
Oliver Lewis, CEO of Joe’s Blooms says the data shows a “clear” need for biodiversity net gain (BNG) in addressing anti-development concerns.
This data comes exactly one year on from BNG being introduced on small sites (1 April), and sparks the question, should BNG be incorporated into private domestic spaces as well?
LIFE OUTDOORS CELEBRATES
Life Outdoors announces its appointment as an official Renson premium ambassador and its celebratory event in June. Now part of a carefully selected network, Life Outdoors is “honoured to be recognised by Renson as a premium ambassador,” says managing director, Craig Ormiston.
Online exclusives
The event will take place on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 and is designed for architects, specifiers, landscapers and design professionals to explore outdoor structures at its Sevenoaks showroom.
Starting at 10am, the event will feature two Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accredited sessions delivered by Renson, networking and live demonstrations of Renson’s outdoor structures.
For more information and to register for your free ticket, scan the QR code
TWO GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CEOS ANNOUNCED
Jason Knights succeeds Simon Morrish as CEO of Ground Control as part of the company’s three-year growth plan. idverde UK also announces new CEO Aidan Bell to join the company on 12 May. Previously acting as managing director, Knights has grown the company from £120m to a projected £225m in revenue in 2025/26. He comments: “Ground Control’s success is built on the hard work, dedication and expertise of our people and field teams, while being bold in doing the right thing for our people, planet
and sustainable growth.”
With leadership experience in building services, facilities management and outsourcing, Bell most recently acted as chief operating officer at ISS Facilities Services. He comments:
“I am very proud, and indeed honoured, to be given the opportunity to lead idverde UK. It’s clear that the business already provides exceptional services throughout the UK and is well-placed for future growth.”
ground-control.co.uk idverde.co.uk
"IT'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE JUST ONE CONCEPT THAT EVERYTHING DRAWS INTO," SAYS ASHLEIGH AYLETT ON HER DEBUT CHELSEA GARDEN
30 Under 30 winner, Ashleigh Aylett shares how her love for water inspired her balcony garden.
KERR MCEWAN: “WE’RE ONLY AS GOOD AS OUR TEAM” – M SQUARED’S APPROACH TO UPSKILLING
The landscaping industry is currently grappling with an ongoing skill shortage which continues to affect its ability to meet growing demand.
FROM ZOOLOGY TO GARDEN DESIGN: RACHEL BAILEY’S JOURNEY TO CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF HER STUDIO
She reflects on her passion for sustainability and garden design stemming from her first degree in zoology followed by her PhD in environmental toxicology.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR PRO LANDSCAPER’S 30 UNDER 30: THE NEXT GENERATION 2025
Entries open for Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation in association with Green-tech as it returns for its 10th anniversary.
With 300 alumni, it helped propel previous winners into the industry. These include Aaron Grange from Green-tech, Primethorpe Paving owner Kelsey Brace, and Design Only Gardens director and founder, Taylor Gee.
Kris Nellist, managing director at Green-tech comments: “The future of landscaping depends on passionate, innovative young professionalsand it’s a privilege to help on their achievements.” You can nominate yourself or a colleague as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2025; entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year). Entries close Friday 1 August 2025.
JASON KNIGHTS
RHS CHELSEA TO CHAMPION MINDFULNESS IN ITS SMALL SPACE GARDENS
Spaces designed to promote mindfulness will take the spotlight in the Balcony and Container Gardens category at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Each of the category gardens will aim to inspire visitors of the ways gardening can support their wellbeing, from colour therapy to connecting with water. The gardens are:
• MS Amlin Peace of Mind Garden Designed by Ashleigh Aylett
• A Space to Read Balcony Garden
sponsored by Viking Designed by Freddie Strickland and Ben Gifford
• The Room to Breathe Hospital Garden for the TSA Designed by Jen Donnelly and Catherine Gibbon
• Secret Base – The another green room Designed by Jun Ishihara
• Fettercairn Wilderness Retreat Designed by Sally Giles, Sonia Kamel and Helier Bowling
• Komorebi Garden Designed by
ROUNDUP
Masa Taniguchi
• C6 garden
Designed by
RHS Chelsea Special
DOWN’S SYNDROME SCOTLAND MEMBERS ADD FINAL TOUCHES TO CHELSEA GARDEN
DTOM HOBLYN REVEALS THIS YEAR’S CHELSEA WILL BE HIS LAST
esigners of the ‘Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden’, Nick Burton and Duncan Hall of Burton Hall Garden Design, joined the garden’s namesake charity members at a workshop hosted by Laurence McIntosh, as together they added the finishing touches to two custom-made timber benches set to feature in the show garden. Each one is made from solid European oak and features 21 slats and three sets of legs, a reference to the charity’s symbolic numbers three and 21. One of the benches will also feature a handengraved gaelic proverb: “Hard as the Heather, Lasting as the Pine”. It will be positioned under the garden’s Scots Pine. Designer Nick Burton says he hopes the garden will provide a “national platform to celebrate the life of people with Down’s Syndrome.”
TOM CLARKE: “MOST DESIGNERS WILL HAVE A CAREER AND THEN GET INTO CHELSEA, BUT I’M DOING THE OPPOSITE”
Not many 24-year-olds get to design a Chelsea show garden, let alone already boast two medals. But Tom Clarke is hitting the ground running.
The Hospice UK Garden of Compassion will be Tom Hoblyn’s final exhibit at the RHS show. The multiaward-winning garden designer has announced that this year’s show will be his last and he’ll be marking it with a garden he says is “hugely poignant.” Supported by Hospice UK – which represents more than 200 hospices across the country – and sponsored by Project Giving Back, Hoblyn’s garden will celebrate the role their outdoor spaces play in end-of-life care.“Having designed hospice gardens in the past and having experienced the need for garden solace in the final days of a loved one’s life, I know first-hand just how valuable they are,” says Hoblyn. After Chelsea, the garden will be relocated to St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham.
2025 PREVIEW: DOWN’S
Down’s Syndrome Scotland takes centre stage at RHS Chelsea, celebrating the lives of people with Down’s syndrome, whilst challenging common misconceptions.
ZOE CLAYMORE ON HOW SHE'S BRINGING A SLICE OF DART VALLEY TO CHELSEA Inspired by the Woodlands of her childhood, debut Chelsea designer, Zoe Claymore shares how her design took shape.
“I know there are bigger gardens and vaster budgets, but this garden was about an escape from the bustle of city life, and it just sucked me in – not a horticultural technical term I appreciate but sometimes, a garden quite simply does that. The doors in the background were a standout feature, Krempel uncovered them from a dusty lock-up in Surrey, previously rescued from a palace in India destined for demolition and in storage for more than 20 years.”
Peter Donegan, garden and landscape designer
“For me, as an RHS judge, I was privileged to be able to walk onto the garden and suddenly feel myself immersed in an ancient landscape. The attention to detail made the garden feel authentic as if you were transported to the very mountainside that it represented. Moreover, I feel the underlying message of how we must protect earth's biodiversity not just for the benefit of nature but for the benefit of humankind as well is a message that we ignore at our peril.”
Liz Nicholson, managing director, Nicholsons
The Greatest
SHOW (GARDENS)
Our readers share their favourite RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens of the last seven years
• Designed by Sarah Price • Built by Crocus
“It's hard to narrow it down, but Sarah Price’s gardens always stand out to me, because I'm really interested in the artfulness of the horticulture, not just the functionality, and that's what she brings to her designs, and this one was very Mediterranean in style.”
Nigel Dunnett, professor of planting design and urban horticulture in the Department of Landscape at the University of Sheffield
• Designed by Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt
• Built by Landscape Associates
“From the artistry that they did at the beginning, that black and white concept image, I thought was so provocative; to the fact that it was such a freeing design. And I think sometimes modern life is too constrainted, too boxy. I enjoy the garden’s aesthetic because I think we all need to be a bit more wild.”
Zoe Claymore, garden designer
• Designed by Tom Massey and Je Ahn • Built by Landscape Associates
I know it’s a journalism sin to lay claim to a favourite anything, but this garden was one from recent years that stuck out to me.
Water is a precious resource, and as our climate continues to change, we are often left with either too little or too much. Massey and Ahn’s exploration and demonstration of water conservation made this a standout garden at last year's show for me, from the rainwater harvesting pavilion to the wildlife pond. Bethany Vann, deputy editor,
GARDEN DESIGN COMPANY UNDER £250,000 TURNOVER: KAREN TATLOW GARDEN DESIGN
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY NT KILLINGLEY LTD
NEW COMPANY (UNDER TWO YEARS OLD) NUVO OUTDOOR LIVING LTD
TRADE NURSERY OF THE YEAR WYEVALE NURSERIES
ARBORICULTURE COMPANY
GRISTWOOD & TOMS
SUPPLIER AND SERVICE PROVIDER GREEN-TECH
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO: HARRIS BUGG STUDIO
HOST: RACHEL DE THAME
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION: HELMRIG LTD IN COLLABORATION WITH MULTIPLE INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS
LANDSCAPE COMPANY
£2.5M - £5M TURNOVER: PALMER LANDSCAPES LTD
LANDSCAPE COMPANY UNDER £1M TURNOVER: CONSILIUM HORTUS LTD
SUPPLIER AND SERVICE PROVIDER: GREEN-TECH
LANDSCAPE COMPANY OVER £5M TURNOVER WRIGHT LANDSCAPES LTD
GARDEN DESIGN COMPANY UNDER £250,000 TURNOVER KAREN TATLOW GARDEN DESIGN
LANDSCAPE COMPANY
£1M - £2.5M TURNOVER E WILLIAMS LANDSCAPES LTD
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
HELMRIG LTD IN COLLABORATION WITH MULTIPLE INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS
INVESTMENT/ACQUISITION OF THE YEAR NURTURE GROUP FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TIVOLI GROUP LTD
LANDSCAPE COMPANY UNDER £1M TURNOVER CONSILIUM HORTUS LTD
SUSTAINABLE COMPANY OF THE YEAR TYLER GRANGE
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE COMPANY GLENDALE COUNTRYSIDE LTD
LANDSCAPE COMPANY
£2.5M - £5M TURNOVER PALMER LANDSCAPES LTD
DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY WRIGHT LANDSCAPES LTD
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGY JOHN O'CONNER (GROUNDS MAINTENANCE) LTD
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO HARRIS BUGG STUDIO
GARDEN DESIGN COMPANY OVER £250,000 TURNOVER THE GARDEN COMPANY LTD
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR NURTURE GROUP
SUPREME WINNER GLENDALE COUNTRYSIDE LTD
NATURAL
HISTORY 101
From climate change to conservation, the new Natural History GCSE brings real-world environmental issues into the heart of the classroom
WORDS: BETHANY VANN
After being stalled last year, despite a decade's worth of campaigning behind it and a curriculum all ready to go, the new Natural History GCSE has finally been approved and is making its way into schools the field view of the next generation.
The new qualification, which has been spearheaded by environmentalist and author, Mary Colwell, since 2011, will in theory help children to understand and protect the natural world around them, instilling ideals and methods of environmental stewardship from a young age, while also highlighting the potential land-based career opportunities available to them. RHS head of learning, Nic Buckley and RHS head of professional programs Gemma Tandy, say the qualifications' introduction is a “significant step forward in offering young people the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and the environmental challenges we face.” The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has worked with the Natural History Museum and other organisations to help shape the GCSE’s curriculum.
The Natural History GCSE offers every student, regardless of background, access to green spaces to engage with, learn about and spark interest in land-based careers
applications to develop the skills in which to achieve this. It is no secret that land-based professions are vital in addressing some of the largest global and societal challenges the world is currently facing, Buckley and Tandy highlight that green transitioning and green careers is cited within the “top five growth areas across multiple sectors and economies, and ‘environmental stewardship’ for the first time in the top 10 global skills required in workforces” (The Future of Jobs Report, 2025-2030, World Economic Forum), adding that the charity recognises “high levels of interest and engagement” in current school-age demographics - “the Natural History GCSE offers every student, regardless of background, access to green spaces to engage with, learn about and spark interest in land-based careers.”
Buckley and Tandy note that the GCSE will need to deliver “engaging, practical, and impactful educational experiences that prepare young people to be active, informed and responsible,” across three key areas: “Relevance to young people, including preparation for future challenges, real-world application, including practical skills, and environmental awareness and empowerment.” The GCSE will address the current and future challenges in the natural world, helping prepare students to “navigate and succeed in a rapidly changing world,” as well as giving them the practical, real-world
With the GCSE continuing to take shape, the UK government is set to further consult on the qualification’s subject content later this year, revising the criteria drafted under the previous government. Buckley and Tandy both agree that for the course to success, it is vital for the government to provide not just funding but also the allocation of “resources for schools to implement the course effectively,” including training for teachers and fieldwork opportunities. So, while “the introduction of the GCSE signifies a vital shift in how our education system can support young people to engage with the natural world in an academic and meaningful way,” support for the qualification is also vital to ensure it achieves continued success in shaping the next generation of land-based professionals.
From Chelsea Relics to INDUSTRY REVIVAL
Mark Gregory on the inspiration behind launching the Glasshouse Collective and what he hopes the space will become
WORDS: BETHANY VANN
When you’ve built as many show and domestic gardens as Landform Consultants, it's inevitable that you’ll end up with a collection of leftovers. But rather than dismantle or discard these relics, Landform Consultants breathed new life into the reclaimed pieces in a dedicated showground next to its headquarters in Cobham, Surrey.
Announced last year, the idea for the Glasshouse Collective goes back as far as eight or nine years, says Landform Consultants’ managing director, Mark Gregory, but the idea cemented itself two years ago - “I was at FutureScape, and it was a conversation I had with Allgreen and Paul Ransom from into the Garden Room in an aisle at the show and those two guys believed in it.”
I was at FutureScape, and it was a conversation I had with Allgreen and Paul Ransom from into the Garden Room in an aisle at the show and those two guys believed in it
That conversation, along with months of dedicated work to transform a once derelict site has amalgamated itself into a high-end outdoor showroom, exhibiting products from suppliers. Visitors to the space can see larger than life planters from Torc Pots, housing a variety of trees from Boom and Bonheaur (one of which many will recognise from Pro Landscaper’s stand at last year’s FutureScape), as well as contemporary metal sculptures from David Harber, a stylish outdoor kitchen from KönigOutdo or, and the latest products from both Allgreen and Millboard to name a few. Visitors can also immerse themselves in past relics from over the years, many of which once featured on the main stage at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show;
Mark Gregory
Gregory remarks that “this whole space was like a Chelsea graveyard.” Going on to add that the space and surrounding community has a rich history of horticulture, having been based on “probably hundreds” of nurseries; “The site was pretty derelict, and our landlord basically developed this children's play farm, and these two English greenhouses sat in the far corner - It was derelict, trees growing through the roof, and it was all overgrown. So, we literally dismantled it, and we basically cannibalised two greenhouses to make one.”
While the space is undeniably gorgeous, it’s key to note that it’s not just about showcasing the latest products and innovations, “the Glasshouse is really the coming together of the industry, it's a collaborative space, it's an education space, and it’s a space that the industry can come together and debate,” says Gregory, adding that in order for our industry to thrive we need to cut down the barriers between design and construction and just debate, and that’s exactly what he hopes this space will play host to - “there's beautiful furnishes and pots and lights and everything here, but the exciting things will happen in this greenhouse. And I do believe that we're going to have some really interesting conversations.” Visions for the space are ever evolving, with plans already in motion for more collaboration partners, as well as the instalment of meeting pods throughout the space where businesses can connect with other like-minded businesses to further grow and evolve; “the business that we have got here are all on the same mindset. They're all very committed to exceptional quality and standards of service, and we'll grow, our collaboration will grow, and the Collective will also grow.”
The Glasshouse is really a coming together of the industry, it's a collaborative space, it's an education space, and it’s a space that the industry can come together and debate
Mark Gregory
At its heart The Glasshouse Collective is a space dedicated to collaboration and joint-up thinking that will excel the industry forward together, and in that in vain all trade associations looking to use the space can do so without charge, and a percentage of money made through the space will also be donated to industry charity Perennial.
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What Carl Jones, director of C J Landscapes, wishes he’d known for his first RHS Chelsea show garden
RHS Chelsea Flower Show is just around the corner, and if you’re participating for the first time, here are a few tips to help you prepare for the show and some insights I wish I had known for my first time at the hallowed grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Taking on a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an incredible opportunity, but it’s also one of the most challenging things you can do in landscaping. Looking back, here are some things I wish I’d known before stepping onto the showground for the first time:
GET Chelsea READY
Time disappears fast
The schedule is intense. You might think you have plenty of time to build your garden, but once you’re on-site, every minute flies by. Having a well-rehearsed plan with your team will save you a lot of stress and mistakes.
The logistics are a challenge Transporting materials, getting the right deliveries at the right time, and ensuring everything fits in your allocated space is a massive task. Triple-check all delivery dates and have a backup plan for delays.
Expect the unexpected Things will go wrong, and that’s okay. I know it’s easier said than done but try to keep calm and focus on solving the issue without losing focus on the end goal.
The aftermath is just as important What happens to your garden after the show?
Have a plan for dismantling and rehoming materials so you’re not left scrambling at the end.
Weather is not your friend Rain, wind, and even unexpected heat can throw a spanner in the works. Pack for every scenario and don’t underestimate how much the elements can slow things down.
If you’re gearing up for your first show garden, preparation is key. Speak to past exhibitors, build a solid team, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most of all, enjoy the experience –it truly is the most incredible opportunity!
CARL JONES
Carl Jones is the director of C J Landscapes, a landscape construction company based on the Surrey/ Berkshire border. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality garden builds tailored to clients’ needs; its commitment to excellence has been recognised with success at prestigious events like the RHS Chelsea and RHS Hampton Court. cjlandscapes.net
THE BRIDGERTON GARDEN, RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2024
DIFFERENTLY? What would I do
Gareth Wilson continues to reflect on his career and the lessons he’s learned along the way
This continues last month's article, which has given me even more time to consider things in depth. I’ve found this subject to be much more profound than I anticipated, and it's pretty hard to narrow it down to the most relevant, but here goes.
Employee issues
Sometimes, employees have wholly run their course with you and your company. Often, there’s not even any fallout; it’s just that their and your time together is up, and it’s time for you both to move on. Realising the time is up isn't easy, especially as there's a vast skilled landscaper shortage in the UK; therefore, replacing them is a considerable challenge. The other side of the coin is that some employees have turned into the bad apple in the barrel, which affects the whole team's performance and creates an unpleasant, often toxic, atmosphere. Don't compromise or try to stick a square peg in a round hole. Cut ties, move on, and always try to do it amicably. You must prepare for these events and either get training for your younger staff
members or train them yourself. That way, you always have a form of replacement. This will make the transition less stressful and more efficient.
Research new products
When porcelain paving became popular around 2016, I laid my first porcelain patio. I followed the design I was given but didn't install enough fall. It rained, and the client called me to say she had a paddling pool –a slight exaggeration, but it was holding water with surface tension. If I'd taken just 15 minutes out of my day to read the manufacturer's installation guide, I’d have saved myself £4k.
Trusted suppliers
Adapt quickly, try to futureproof yourself and your company, and don't make the same mistake twice
When landscaping, I learned very quickly not to persevere with unreliable companies. Waiting for deliveries or receiving the wrong orders costs time, money, and always from your pocket. I always used Paving Stones Direct and Lymefield Garden Centre as my leading suppliers, and the main reasons for this were that we built great relationships, communication was top-notch, any rare issues were dealt with there and then, and quality was at the top of their agendas.
Some other companies were nothing but trouble, and I should have parted ways before I did. I worked out that one year I'd lost close to £6k in late deliveries and had to deal with disappointed clients whose projects had ground to a halt.
PART 2
Side hustle
When I first became a consultant, I concentrated on one income stream, which was very stop and go. My money was drying up, and I quickly retrained in different areas, such as on-site training, assessing, and mediation. I quickly realised that I should have done this years ago, as this would have given me not only a broader skillset but also more opportunities to do things I enjoy.
Follow the gut feeling
You've heard me say this time and time again: “If it doesn't feel right, it’s not right.” Always follow your gut feeling; your gut is your second brain and where 80% of your serotonin is made. Every time I ignored my gut feeling, I had problems.
The take home here is, adapt quickly, try to futureproof yourself and your company, and don't make the same mistake twice.
GARETH WILSON
Leaving college at 17, Wilson has worked in the landscape industry since 1989. Progressing onto highend projects, he has picked up seven RHS gold medals. He is a member of multiple professional bodies. He provides technical and product advice to large companies, mentors and trains contractors and garden designers in landscape construction and on show gardens logistics across the UK. Wilson also provides mediation services, he is a member of the BS7533:102 committee and is an industry awards judge. gkwilsonlandscaping.co.uk
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CHANGE Cultivating
Sam Moore on why AI is the smartest hire you’ll make this year
Luxury has evolved; today’s high-end clients are no longer just buying a beautiful garden –they’re buying responsiveness, precision, and a design experience that feels seamless from first enquiry to final handover. In this new landscape, AI isn’t just a tool – it’s the foundation of modern service excellence.
Imagine turning up to a high-spec landscaping project with only the tools of the early 2000s: mixing concrete by hand, digging foundations with nothing more than a spade, manually setting out levels without a laser in sight. It would be slow, expensive, and wholly inefficient –a complete disservice to both client and craft.
way we handle meetings; it’s helped free up our most valuable asset: time.
But let me be clear. AI is not a silver bullet, nor is it a replacement for people. It’s a tool – and like any good tool, its effectiveness lies in how well you understand it and how confidently you wield it.
Redefining luxury:
The truth is this: if you wouldn’t accept using yesterday’s tools on site, you shouldn’t accept them in your operations either
And yet, many business owners are still approaching the behind-thescenes of their company this way –relying on outdated admin processes, piecemeal marketing efforts, and reactive client management.
The truth is this: if you wouldn’t accept using yesterday’s tools on site, you shouldn’t accept them in your operations either.
We’re now firmly in the adoption phase of artificial intelligence. At Consilium Hortus, we’ve embraced AI not as a gimmick, but as an integral member of our team. From streamlining lead management to transforming the
The designer’s role in an AI world
Before I delve into how we use AI, I want to make one thing absolutely clear: design is –and must remain – a human endeavour.
Our clients don’t come to us for templated outdoor spaces. They come to us for insight, artistry, and a tailored experience that feels deeply personal. True luxury in garden design isn’t just about materials or layout – it’s about intuition, storytelling, and an understanding of how people want to live.
AI won’t walk a site and instinctively understand the interplay of scale, sun, and soil. It won’t translate a client’s lifestyle into a layered spatial experience. What it can do, however, is support the process –taking care of the background noise so we can focus more fully on the creative vision.
Smarter marketing, seamless brand storytelling
In the premium design market, how your brand is perceived is everything. But in the middle of project delivery, running a team, and nurturing leads, how do you find the time?
AI has become an indispensable support in our marketing department. We use tools like ChatGPT and Notion AI to draft captions, brainstorm ideas, embed keywords, and manage content calendars. Over time, it has learnt our tone of voice, enabling us to show up online as consistently as we show up in person.
It’s not about removing human input –it’s about making it more efficient, strategic, and sustainable.
Elevating the client experience with AI-powered lead handling
AI also plays a key role in lead management. Our website chatbot and automated messaging system offer instant, intelligent engagement with prospective clients –qualifying enquiries, answering FAQs, and guiding people to book a discovery call.
By the time we speak to a potential client, we’re already informed and prepared. It’s a seamless experience from first click to first conversation, which aligns with the kind of service our brand promises.
Admin support that frees up your focus
From drafting emails and documents to summarising meeting transcripts and generating task lists, AI now supports much of our internal admin. It allows our team to reduce time lost to back-and-forth and stay focused on high-value work. We use tools like Plaud to record and transcribe meetings. Conversations are summarised into action points within minutes. It’s improving our communication, accountability and execution.
Precision in pricing
Quoting landscape work – particularly high-spec, multi-layered projects –requires precision. We’ve trained our AI to understand our pricing structures. It calculates margins, models labour, and helps build detailed, viable estimates. Everything is reviewed by a human – but the heavy lifting is done. Pricing is now faster, clearer, and less daunting.
Empowering our team, not replacing it
At Consilium, AI hasn’t replaced anyone. It’s elevated everyone. From junior designers to project managers, our team spends less time on repetitive admin and more on creative, client-focused work. That shift hasn’t just improved productivity –it’s improved morale.
AI for better business thinking
AI also enhances strategic thinking. From forecasting project timelines to modelling cash flow and analysing team capacity, it provides real-time insights that help me lead the business more effectively. In a time-poor industry, clarity is power – and AI gives us that.
Embracing the future of design practice
It’s not about removing human input – it’s about making it more efficient, strategic, and sustainable
As designers, we talk often about evolution in gardens – seasonal change, long-term growth, and curated transformation. The same applies to how we run our businesses. AI isn’t the future. It’s the now. And those of us working in the premium design space have a responsibility to lead from the front –embracing the tools that help us serve clients better, work smarter, and elevate our craft at every level.
Our industry is entering a new era. Creativity and craftsmanship must now be supported by intelligent systems and forward-thinking leadership.
At Consilium Hortus, AI has allowed us to grow without growing overhead. To stay responsive without burning out. To uphold the quality our clients expect, both on site and behind the scenes.
No, AI won’t design your gardens. But it will help you design a better business.
SAMUEL MOORE
Samuel Moore runs Consilium Hortus, an Essex-based company that creates bespoke garden design solutions for private and commercial clients. One of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners, Moore has previously worked for various award-winning design and build companies and has a degree in Landscape and Garden Design from Writtle University College. consiliumhortus.co.uk
Painful shoulders from repetitive over-reaching, wrist and hand pain from constantly gripping tools, general aches and pains from working outside in all weathers – sound familiar? Tasks such as lifting and carrying, using powered and non-powered tools, reaching and bending, and working with heavy loads throughout the day can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
Pain and stiffness can lead to difficulty performing certain tasks at work, taking longer on jobs and sometimes needing medical treatment such as injections or surgery.
The main types of injuries and joint pain physiotherapists see from landscape professionals include:
• SHOULDER INJURIES
Repetitive overhead reaching (e.g., pruning trees) or lifting heavy tools can aggravate the muscles around the shoulder and upper back.
• NECK AND LOW BACK PAIN
Neck and low back pain is common in people from all walks of life and we now know that inactivity (sitting behind a desk) is no better for you than working outdoors.
Repetitive lifting was always thought to be an independent risk factor for developing pain, but the latest research has identified that any sustained activity can contribute to pain.
• ANKLE AND FOOT INJURIES
Sprains and strains, fractures and plantar fasciitis are common amongst landscape professionals, due to working on uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces.
Don't let
THE GROUND BREAK YOU
Callum Hewitt, from the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
Birmingham, shares his advice on how to prevent common musculoskeletal problems faced by professionals
The good news is there are things you can do to prevent some of these conditions and improve your bone and joint health. In a manual job it is essential you look after your body as you rely on it to continue working. It’s essential you manage your workload throughout the week and vary your tasks to prevent overload as well as incorporating the following to your normal week.
Improve muscle strength and mobility
Good mobility and stronger muscles can help prevent on the job injuries. They make sure your body is equipped to handle the
Cardiovascular exercise
everyday challenges that come with working in landscaping. When working in a manual job it can feel like you get enough exercise in during the week, but your body gets used to this amount of strain and needs further stimulation to increase your robustness and reduce the chance of injuries.
If you have any medical conditions or concerns, you should consult your GP prior to commencing an exercise regime. It is important to take the first few sessions of any new programme steady and build up slowly so your body can adapt.
Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, but you can split this as you see fit. For example, one brisk activity like riding a bike and one moderate activity such as playing rugby each week.
MODERATE ACTIVITY
• Brisk walk
• Riding a bike
• Hiking
• Pushing a lawn mower
BRISK ACTIVITY
• Running
• Swimming
• Sports such as rugby, football or netball
• Aerobics
• Martial arts
• Gymnastics
Strengthening exercises
We recommend strengthening exercises that target all the major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) two-three times a week. To get strength benefits, the exercises you do should make the muscle tired towards the last few repetitions. As a rule, repeat them until you feel the muscle aching. Below are some examples of high value exercises.
WRIST ROLLERS
• Sit or stand. Hold on to a dowel rod, stick, bar or rolling pin, with your palms facing down. Roll the dowel rod in one direction, and then the other. To make the exercise more challenging, speed up the rolling. You can also roll the dowel rod with the palms facing up as a variation.
DEAD BUGS
IMPROVES CORE STABILITY, AND STRENGTHENS THE LOWER BACK AND PELVIS
• Lie on your back with your arms extended towards the ceiling and knees bent at 90 degrees.
• Slowly lower your right arm and left leg towards the floor while keeping your lower back pressed to the ground.
• Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite arm and leg.
FARMERS WALKS
ENGAGES THE CORE, ARMS, AND GRIP STRENGTH
• Hold a heavy dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand and stand tall.
• Walk a set distance or time while keeping your core engaged and your posture upright.
BIRD DOGS
TARGETS LOWER BACK AND CORE
• Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
• Extend your right arm forward and left leg backward, keeping both straight and parallel to the floor.
• Hold for a second, then return to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite arm and leg.
LATERAL RAISES
• Stand with your arms by your sides
• Hold a light dumbbell (or equivalent weight – e.g. full water bottle) in each hand. Make sure the weight is challenging but can be lifted through full range of motion.
• With a straight elbow and wrist, lift the weight out to the side to shoulder height and slowly lower.
There are a range of upper body and lower body exercises you can do to strengthen specific muscle groups. As you get stronger, you can increase your weights and repetition of each exercise.
It’s essential you manage your workload throughout the week and vary your tasks to prevent overload
CALLUM HEWITT
Callum Hewitt is a trainee advanced physiotherapy practitioner. He graduated from the University of Bradford in 2018 and completed his initial rotations at Worcester Royal Hospital before specialising in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. He currently works across back pain, knee and shoulder clinic, hip triage, first contact physiotherapy and surgical hip clinics. roh.nhs.uk
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A handshake won't hold up should an issue with a client arise, so put it in writing, advises Kai Sammer
IWORD to the WISE
magine you have just landed a big landscaping job by shaking hands with a new client who promises to pay upon completion. It all seems fine until the project is finished – and then the client challenges the price or denies certain obligations. Suddenly, it is your word against theirs. Oral agreements can be legally binding, but they can be tough to prove when disputes arise. Memory fades, people disagree on what was said, and you risk a prolonged “he said, she said” battle that costs time and money. Some transactions even require a written contract by law – real estate deals, for example – otherwise courts might refuse to uphold them.
Drafting a short, clear contract sets everyone’s expectations: it outlines the scope of work, final price, deadlines, and who is responsible if issues occur. Writing it down prevents misunderstandings or false recollections, and a signed agreement carries more weight in court than oral testimony of the same terms. If disagreements surface, you will have something concrete to point to instead of relying on conflicting memories. It also reassures your client that you are organised and professional, which can build trust in the long run.
A cautionary tale is the High Court case of Lumley v. Foster [2022] EWHC 54 (TCC), where a homeowner orally agreed to pay a builder £100k for renovations, only to find the job finished so poorly that her
property was practically unliveable. The builder tried blaming the contract on his insolvent company, but the court ruled it was his personal responsibility, leaving him on the hook for major remedial costs. Having a written document, trail of emails or text messages, or standard terms naming the correct parties and detailing essential terms could have saved both sides a lot of stress and expensive litigation.
If you are worried that presenting a contract will frighten away potential clients, think again. A brief but comprehensive written agreement benefits everyone: you confirm the exact tasks you will perform, the timeframe for completion, and ensure the client knows precisely what they are paying for. Each party’s obligations are clearly spelled out in plain, everyday language – no fancy legal jargon needed. Even email exchanges can count, as long as you cover critical elements like the work description, payment structure, deadlines, and a simple plan for handling disputes. The client can even agree to the contract with a “thumbs up” emoji. Because the stakes
If disagreements surface, you will have something concrete to point to instead of relying on conflicting memories
can be high, especially in landscaping jobs that involve substantial labour and materials, it is worth taking a few extra minutes to prepare a written agreement. That small investment is often far less stressful and expensive than fighting over misunderstood terms later. By putting the essentials on paper, you will protect your livelihood and keep your suppliers as well as customers happy.
Relying on a handshake to seal important deals is tempting if it seems quicker or if you want to avoid “complicating” a friendly arrangement. However, a handshake alone cannot protect you if the other side changes their story about what was agreed. Investing a small effort in writing down key details will help you sidestep legal headaches and preserve good relationships. In the end, a short-written contract saves everyone from unwanted surprises and ensures fairness and clarity for both sides.
Oracle Solicitors is an award-winning law firm with a deep understanding of the landscape industry and expertise in employment, commercial, litigation, property and contract law. Oracle Solicitors, founded in 2002, has since grown to include offices in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and Africa. oraclelawglobal.com
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“THERE’S A HUGE
DISPARITY IN CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO NATURE. SO, THE MORE WE CAN BRING NATURE INTO SCHOOLS AND THE CURRICULUM, THE BETTER”
Garden designer Harry Holding on encouraging more people to grow their own food, taking on Chelsea two years in a row, and how we need to be thinking about the future now
WORDS: NINA MASON
Creating a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the pinnacle of most designers’ careers. Being asked to design a feature garden for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) itself? Even better – and it’s an honour reserved for the best and most prolific. Take this year, when TV gardener Monty Don will be switching roles from presenter to designer with a dog-friendly garden for the RHS and BBC2.
So, Harry Holding couldn’t quite believe it when he was asked to design the RHS No Adults Allowed Garden for last year’s show. The up-and-coming designer is fast making a name for himself, picking up the Rising Star Award from House & Garden in 2023; being part of House & Garden's top 50 garden designers of 2025; and winning numerous awards from the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers.
In 2023, he took home the People’s Choice Award for the All About Plants category in what was his first year at the show. It was after this that the RHS approached him for a starring role at Chelsea the following year.
The RHS No Adults Allowed Garden was a hit, and the organisation used it as a platform to launch the first Children’s Choice Award at the show, for which kids became garden judges for the first time – though not of the feature gardens, which are exempt from judging.
from which pupils helped to create the garden and where it was relocated afterwards – “and a great group of children behind something like that as well, it’s going to stir up the media."
The pressure was slightly off with it not being judged, which made it a purely enjoyable process; but I still went into it with the same attitude and seriousness
“The pressure was slightly off with it not being judged, which made it a purely enjoyable process; but I still went into it with the same attitude and seriousness. The PR around it was pretty crazy. When you get a wonderful school like Sulivans” – a primary school in Fulham,
The School Food Matters Garden and the RHS No Adults Allowed Garden both had the intention of connecting children with nature and offering insight into food growing –something which is close to Holding’s heart. When he was 17, for instance, he set up a business with his friends called Grow, Cook, Eat which focused on developing a practical product to get children growing their own food, and he now visits schools and works with charities on introducing greenery into schools.
“It’s really important, and it’s something I’m quite passionate about, especially in cities like
London where a lot of my work is; there’s a huge disparity in children’s access to nature. So, the more we can bring that into schools and the curriculum, the better.”
It will always be part the studio, says Holding, and he says it was an incredible experience to dive into the subject for two Chelsea gardens in a row; but he’s not looking for it to be the studio’s specialism.
Having said that, food growing for all age groups is certainly starting to become what Holding is known for - so much so that he was invited by the British Library to contribute to a book called Gardens of the Future, for which 10 designers were asked to design a garden around a theme. His was the food and medicine garden, and it’s part of an exhibition at the British Library called Unearthed: The Power of Gardening which started this month.
“It was a really fun exercise, to consider what the world will look like 50 years from now. What pressures are we facing now, and what pressures and solutions might we be facing in the future? How will that impact gardens and food and
medicine? That’s a particular interest and passion of mine – sustainable food growing, how food is a gateway to nature connection, and how we bring that into people’s lives. It was a great process and really fun to work with the British Library.”
Holding is writing his own book too, which will be published next year - Eat Your Garden. “It’s about all things food growing. How do we bring food growing into our homes? What lessons can we learn from the big ideas around regenerative agriculture movement and how do we distil those ideas into garden form? Bringing food and beauty together – not seeing them as separate goals – using edimentals and more hands of ways of growing food.”
His passion for growing his own food comes from his grandparents. On one side, they were avid gardeners, developing their own garden for more than 60 years.“My nan would take cuttings from plants she passed on the street and my grandad could do the hard landscaping, he was a keen builder.” On the other side of his family, his nan was “pretty utilitarian” and would grow her own food.
“I know not everyone is lucky to have that, but it seems as though a lot of people in the industry have come into gardening, horticulture or design because they’ve had some kind of formative experience with nature or some exposure to gardening with their family.
There’s a lot more risk of coming into contact with a biting ants' nest or something like that, but everything is pretty forgiving; if you cut anything back, it would grow back within a week or two. He also carried out a lot of food growing in the Daindree rainforest.“It felt like a unique experience in that part of the world.”
But it's when Holding moved back to the UK that his passion for garden design grew. He set up his own gardening business in London in 2016, learning more about the UK climate and garden aftercare and soft landscaping, and building a client base.“I was exposed to design by working for some great designers doing soft landscaping and gardening. Then I saw a scholarship opportunity at the London College of Garden Design and was fortunate to get it, so I went and trained there.”
It’s amazing being able to push the boundaries of what you can do; but there’s a huge amount of time and energy and a huge footprint associated with doing a show garden, so I wanted it to be for something that was really worth it
“I got a taste and love for food growing and started to pick up private clients and working at garden centres in my teens.” Holding then moved halfway around the world to Australia in his early 20s with his now-wife, setting up his own gardening business.
“Being in the tropics, I didn’t have much plant knowledge, but I met some really interesting people and learnt some essential skills from other gardeners in that environment, which is quite different to the UK.
Learning from one of the college’s founders, Andrew Wilson – a multi-award-winning RHS medallist in his own right – is what ignited an interest in show gardens.“Before, it wasn’t necessarily on my radar, beyond it being an interesting global phenomenon with the cutting edge of design and horticulture; but coming out of the college, it was an exciting prospect.
“Having a relationship with School Food Matters and then having the opportunity through
1 The RHS No Adults Allowed Garden, RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
2 The School Food Matters Garden, RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
3 The Lodge, South west London (Grand Designs)
Project Giving Back felt like a great time to try and go for it, and we were fortunate to get the funding. As a designer, it’s amazing being able to push the boundaries of what you can do; but there’s a huge amount of time and energy and a huge footprint associated with doing a show garden, so I wanted it to be for something that was really worth it. Working with a really great sponsor and partner like School Food Matters and Project Giving Back was the right timing, and then being able to work with the RHS off the back of that means we’ve now created three school gardens from those two show gardens, so we’ve continued to have that relationship with those schools and the people using the gardens and looking after them. It’s gone on to have a real impact.”
Ensuring his gardens are cared for once they’ve been created is key for Holding, partly down to his own aftercare background.“For me, the fundamentals of seeing how a garden evolves through the seasons and over the years is quite a powerful thing to take into design work. It’s certainly enriched my designs and helps conversations with clients around caring for their garden and their commitment to and appetite for it, so ensuring that they are prepared for what they’re going to get.”
His planting style is “quite abundant, quite vibrant” whilst following ecological principles for a “very natural feeling”. But he says he doesn’t have a definitive style.“I like having more adaptability. I consider a style that reacts to the site - what that particular landscape is and the feel of it and what the clients are really feeling. So, working with the client to produce something that is much better for it.”
He now runs his design practice – Harry Holding Studio – alongside his gardening arm, LDN Horticulture, which looks after gardens across London.“Everything is a team effort,” he says.“Alex Horlick is the senior designer,
Marina Ralph – who I taught a few years ago from lecturing at the London College of Garden Design – is a designer, Camilla Preston is the studio manager, and we have a couple of people who support us part time. It’s a small, tight-knit team and everyone works together really well.
“We have a synergy between the two companies whilst very much offering different services. If you have a garden designed by our studio, it doesn’t have to be planted and looked after by LDN; but the clients like the fact that we can continue to work with them and do aftercare for them.
“It also helps with the success of the garden because you can talk to clients around the context of maintenance and aftercare; it helps to have that involvement to make sure the garden is a success. LDN only works in London, though, so for our gardens designed outside of London, we very much work with other gardeners and horticulturists.”
of creative tech village and creating a circular economy. So, an interconnected site of businesses feeding into each other.”
Although we’re in this industry because we love nature and plants, and tech might seem like the antithesis of those things, no industry is going to be immune, and it should be horticulturists and gardeners and designers who benefit from it
Holding is interested in the new wave of technology that is coming through and how this might affect the industry. “I’m keeping an eye on it and how it’s impacting other industries before us, because it’s no doubt going to come and impact us. It’s something to be mindful about when thinking about the future. Although we’re in this industry because we love nature and plants, and tech might seem like the antithesis of those things, no industry is going to be immune, and it should be horticulturists and gardeners and designers who benefit from it, not just the big tech companies who come in and disrupt the industry. We can bring our specialisms and working with it rather than against it. It’s better to be aware of what’s happening rather than burying our heads in the sand.”
The studio has a project in Jersey, for instance, that’s currently going through planning, and another in Dover. Holding is also working with Tim Smit, the founder of the Eden Project, on the landscape vision for a new project called Innovation Nursery in Cornwall.
“It’s all about materials, science and agri tech businesses basing themselves in this kind
It’s a forward-thinking approach, and just one of the reasons that makes it easy to see why Holding sits perfectly with the other designers chosen by the RHS to create a feature garden at Chelsea. It likely to be just one highlight of a long and successful career.
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GEOMETRIC urban living
TOM HOWARD GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING
ASTONVILLE STREET
PROJECT DETAILS
Size of project 46 m²
Project value
£42,748.13 (excl. VAT)
Build time 5 weeks Awards
Pro Landscaper
Project Awards
2024 Design and Build Under
£50,000 winner
What began as your average small urban garden in a terraced street, offering little inspiration, is now a contemporary outdoor sanctuary designed for entertaining, relaxing, and year-round enjoyment. After completing a striking kitchen extension with bifold doors opening out into the garden, it became clear to the owners that their outdoor space didn’t reflect the same level of personal expression nor functionality as their home. Founder and owner of Tom Howard Garden Design & Landscaping, Tom Howard recalls the most
prominent focal point of the original space being a small shed to the back left of the garden. He and the team were presented with a clear brief to create a low maintenance yet high impact garden that complemented the home’s modern interior design. Priorities for the space included an outdoor kitchen, integrated storage, comfortable seating areas and the creation of different zones to capitalise on the garden’s limited space.
As it was, the garden was seldom used and underwhelming, with the owners' keen to remove the existing patchy lawn and create a space that they could enjoy looking at from the kitchen. To maintain visual continuity to the internal flooring, which were sleek grey tiles, large-format thick stone slabs were laid throughout the space – made from 100% natural materials and fully recyclable.
In order to define the intended zones without overwhelming the space, different size slabs were used for the varying areas; small format setts for the upper area, 400x800mm slabs for the main terrace and 1200x600x70mm slabs for the floating steps. Howard says using the same material throughout “helped create an airier feel without cluttering the garden”.
In
a small garden details are key, as everything is very much on display, so it was very important to have a high level of finish on this garden
The floating steps, which Howard says are a “triumph” are intentionally laid off-centre, with planting used to soften the geometry to create the illusion of a larger floating upper terrace, are now a standout feature in the space that allow for an elegant transition between levels.
The existing fencing was kept and painted black to also help create a larger space – “allowing the fences to recede and the planting to pop”, says Howard, who adds that to break the fencing up visually, cladding was added to part of the lower area with vertical mixed width Meranti battens. The fencing is further broken up with bold yellow and black tiles which work as the backsplash for the outdoor kitchen area. Howard says this design choice was made with aesthetic in mind more than anything else.
To continue the ‘floating’ aesthetic, even the lower dining bench was cantilevered from the
raised bed using angle iron, and the BBQ unit’s cupboard doors were also designed to ‘float’. All tiles and cladding have been mitred along the edges, with matching grout colour to the stone used to ensure the lines are hidden; “in a small garden details are key, as everything is very much on display, so it was very important to have a high level of finish on this garden.”
PLANTING
• Geum • Rudbeckia
• Salvia
• Nepeta
• Geranium
• Malus 'Evereste'
• Pleached Hornbeam
The garden now has two established seating areas; one for dining adjacent to the outdoor kitchen and another for relaxing on the elevated platform towards the back. Both area’s colour ways pair with the surrounding space’s pallet to avoid pops of colour overwhelming the space. Howard says: “One would expect the garden to feel cluttered with so much happening, but it is the exact opposite – it has a wonderful sense of space that still allows for generous planting areas.”
Upon first glance, it’s hard to imagine this garden belonging to anyone but avid green thumbs. But at the owner's request Howard and the team ensured all planting was low maintenance but high impact. Plant selection was carefully considered to complement the yellow accent of the Bert & May tiles, with yellow Geum and Rudbeckia providing seasonal progression, and Salvia, Nepeta, Geranium in complementary purple.
The existing apple tree was relocated to the front garden, and replaced with a multi-stem Crab Apple and three pleached Hornbeams to give height and private privacy to the space. The garden’s existing sandy loam soil was of good quality and thus excavated and reused for the raised beds, with spent mushroom compost added to support fertilisation and plant growth.
By combining clean architectural lines, a restrained material palette, carefully curated planting, and thoughtful detailing, Howard and the team have been able to create a multifunctional garden that not only looks impressive from inside the house but also offers a versatile and inviting outdoor retreat.
7 The garden in late summer
8 Planting colour palette of yellow, purple and greens
Tom Howard Garden Design is a small, specialist garden design and build company that works mainly in the high-end residential sector. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision, lifestyle, and practical needs. Whether it’s a sanctuary for relaxation, a vibrant botanical paradise, or a dynamic entertainment area, we bring ideas to life with creativity, originality and flair. tomhowardgardens.co.uk
REFERENCES
Paving Schellevis schellevis.nl
Tiles Bert & May bertandmay.com
Drainage ACO aco.co.uk
Plants Creepers creepersnursery.co.uk
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JPB Landscapes returned to this client’s garden with a brief to create a raised decking area that would house a hot tub and seating area overlooking the picturesque Essex countryside – as well as a play area for the client’s grandchildren to enjoy, designed by Green Eye Garden Design.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project value
£47,874.63 Exc. VAT Build time 6 weeks Size of project 180m2 Awards
Pro Landscaper
Project Awards 2024
Build Under
£50,000 winner
On the UPWARD SLOPE
COOKS HALL BARN
JPB LANDSCAPES LTD
Due to the gardens natural slope, consideration was given over to the space’s design to ensure each area flowed together, while also complimenting the surrounding landscape. The homeowners were keen to include planting within the raised area, and to add visual intrigue to the existing cladding on the rear of the garage to add a pop of colour; achieved through the installation of a living wall.
Instead of fighting against the slope, a bespoke oak sleeper seating area was installed to work with the natural decline – with additional space for
a new fire pit feature to be added at a later date. It was important to both JPB Landscapes and the client’s that the garden have a natural flow, and most importantly not look like a stage propped up in the middle of a countryside garden. So as not to create disparity between each of the varying areas, complimentary or similar oak wood tones were used throughout the build, from the children’s play area and its border to the newly laid decking and existing border fence. It was also important to both the owners and JPB Landscapes that all new work blended seamlessly
PLANTING (MAIN BEDS)
• Anemanthele lessoniana
• Uncinia rubra ‘Everflame’
• Phormium ‘Platts Black’
• Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’
• Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’
• Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’
PLANTING (LIVING WALL)
• Dryopteris erythrosora
• Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’
• Carex testacea
• Festuca glauca
‘Elijah Blue’
• Liriope muscari
with the existing garden previously established by JPB Landscapes –achieved through complimentary planting and zone creation.
The children’s play area, akin to a pocketsize playground –complete with its own rubber chippings – was created using natural oak sleeper borders and includes a miniature slide, a swing set, and an aeroplane swing, laid into the garden’s natural slope to create the illusion it is taking off. Due to the low level of rainfall in the area, JPB Landscapes opted for a drought tolerant planting scheme to minimise
watering requirements, opting for several grass species, from Anemanthele lessoniana to Uncinia rubra Everflame, as well as a range of perennials, including Lavandula stoechas and Thymus 'Silver Queen' (v). The planting mix was chosen for its combined ability to flower throughout much of the year, providing pollen for insects from February through to first frost. The scheme does well to compliment the surrounding landscape without being lost in the vast encompassing fields, adding pockets of colour and lush texture throughout the space.
The main challenges faced by the team came in the form of the garden’s slope, which was effectively utilised into varying elements throughout the design, as well as the existing septic tank which the team worked to conceal; with access being created via the decking upon completion of the project.
The land’s location also proved taxing for the team – being based at the end of a narrow private lane, which made arranging supply deliveries
a challenge and a lot of the materials ended up being collected and taken up the road by the team themselves.
Upon its completion the homeowners were “delighted” with the result, saying the “care and dedication of the team at JPB Landscapes have shown is fantastic”. Now the space not only provides multiple opportunities for relaxation, but also its very own play area, complete with a slide – what could be better?
ABOUT
JPB Landscapes Ltd. is an award-winning professional landscaping and grounds maintenance company based near Colchester, serving Essex, Suffolk and surrounding areas. With over 10 years of experience, it takes pride in providing a gold standard service to both residential and commercial clients. jpblandscapes.co.uk
REFERENCES
Designer Green Eye Garden Design greeneyegardendesign.co.uk
Timber and Sleepers
Marks Tey Products marksteyproductsessex.co.uk
Millboard decking Collier and Catchpole colliercatchpole.co.uk
Grasslands Turf’s Frank Webster, and Georgia Gilbert from John Chambers Wildflower Seed (part of landscape supplier Green-tech) on the two’s new Floral Lawn® Turf collaboration
Floral Lawn® Turf is a new product. What inspired its development, and how did the collaboration come together?
FW: The idea came from conversations with landscape contractors looking for something different – a more natural, flower-rich alternative to traditional turf. I had been experimenting with my own lawn at home and noticed how much wildlife it attracted. Around the same time, we had seen growing interest in more relaxed lawn styles, and it became clear there was a demand for a pre-grown solution that combined visual appeal with biodiversity benefits.
I noted John Chambers Wildflower Seed's work for Bridgman & Bridgman, creating a bespoke mix for a BNG-compliant green roof project. I reached out after reading about it in Pro Landscaper, and
Frank had a clear brief, and our team worked closely with Grasslands to make sure the species chosen were not only native and nectar-rich but could also thrive in a turf environment
Georgia Gilbert
that’s where the collaboration began. We have worked together for over a year, during which time we have trialled and refined a robust, low-growing, native-rich seed mix that could handle regular cutting and moderate footfall.
GG: It was a collaborative process. At John Chambers Wildflower Seed, we always support innovation that encourages biodiversity, especially when grounded in practical application. Frank had a clear brief, and our team worked closely with Grasslands to make sure the species chosen were not only native and nectar-rich but could also thrive in a turf environment.
GEORGIA GILBERT
FRANK WEBSTER
Bringing this product to life through Grasslands’ turf-growing expertise, using John Chambers’ native seed mixes, and supported by Green-tech’s national reach, felt like a natural evolution, offering customers a high-quality, sustainable, and ready-to-lay solution that complements both our existing seed lines and wider customer needs.
How did you go about developing the mix?
GG: We started with a shortlist of eight native species that met the brief for low height, resilience, and visual impact. But as Frank observed what was thriving in his own lawn, we realised we could go further. The mix grew to 13 carefully selected species –all native and all capable of creating a flowering turf that performs in a lawn setting.
FW: It took over a year to refine and test. One of the biggest challenges was the seasonal availability of certain native seeds, but we worked closely together to create a robust, high-quality mix. The final result is a sustainable, plastic-free turf with genuine visual and ecological value.
What are the benefits of Floral Lawn® Turf?
FW: It is visually striking and incredibly practical. You get seasonal colour, pollinator value, and considerably less maintenance than conventional lawns. We would recommend mowing every two to three weeks rather than the typical weekly mow at the height of the growing season. The mix includes species such as, self-heal, clover, birds-foot trefoil, daisies, and buttercups – all of which bring charm and life to a garden or public space. Floral Lawn® Turf is a natural fit for “No Mow May” and supports a more wildlife-friendly approach to landscaping.
What kind of maintenance does Floral Lawn® Turf require?
FW: It can be as much or as little as you want. If you want to let the flowers bloom taller, cut them every three to four weeks. Cuts every two weeks will create a more robust lawn, with shorter flowering occurring. Leaving the area longer in June and July typically offers more flowering than in May, although ‘No Mow May’ is key for early nectar availability. It is vital to avoid over-mowing. You want to let the flowers bloom, so every two to three weeks is perfect. A high cut is better, and it thrives in standard soil. You are not aiming for a manicured green carpet – this is a softer, more natural look that celebrates biodiversity and seasonal interest.
People want lawns that support biodiversity and look good without needing weekly mowing or chemical inputs. Floral Lawn® Turf offers a balance between aesthetic appeal and ecological function
Frank Webster
GG: It is also fully recyclable and proudly plastic-free. Unlike some flowering turf products, no plastic mesh is used in production. That aligns with both of our companies’ commitments to reducing plastic use in landscaping products.
How has Monty Don’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden influenced interest in flowering lawns?
GG: It is fantastic to see flowering lawns getting this kind of visibility. Monty Don, along with others, frequently champion creating space for wildlife and flowering lawns are a great way to achieve this. His “shaggy lawn” at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show highlights the planting we have been developing – low-growing, resilient, flower-rich turf that works in real gardens.
FW: The timing has been helpful in terms of awareness. We have been developing Floral Lawn® Turf for some time, but Monty’s influence will hopefully encourage more homeowners and designers to embrace this style of lawn. For us, it’s not about being trendy but about creating spaces that are both beautiful and beneficial.
What’s the long-term vision for Floral Lawn® Turf?
FW: We see it becoming a mainstream choice for domestic and commercial spaces. There’s a definite shift in mindset – people want lawns that support biodiversity and look good without needing weekly mowing or chemical inputs. Floral Lawn® Turf offers a balance between aesthetic appeal and ecological function.
GG: It is about redefining what a ‘good’ lawn looks like. One that is alive with colour, pollinators, low maintenance, and good for the planet. We believe Floral Lawn® Turf is very much a product for the future.
Are there other collaborations in the pipeline?
GG: We’re currently working together on a species-rich turf that includes a wider range of native grasses alongside wildflowers. It is more complex to produce, particularly given the shortage of certified native grass seed, but we are committed to pushing it forward–especially given the growing need for BNG compliant solutions.
For more information visit green-tech.co.uk or grasslands-turf.co.uk
PROJECT DETAILS
Insect's EYE VIEW
Beginning its life as a show garden at Chelsea Flower Show 2023, The Royal Entomological Society (RES) Garden – designed by award-winning garden designer, Tom Massey and built by Landscape Associates – offered an ‘insect’s eye view’ into our nation's gardens; promoting education around biodiversity with its bespoke laboratory and pollinator-friendly planting. The creation of the show garden, as well as its relocation, was funded by grant-giving charity, Project Giving Back.
Relocated at Stratford Cross, East London
PLANTING
• Teucrium fruticans
• Veronicastrum virginicum 'Fascination'
• Scabiosa caucasica 'Perfecta Alba'
• Crataegus monogyna
• Betula pendula
• Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’
• Pinus sylvestris
• Buddleja × weyeriana 'Bicolor'
After its time at the hallowed grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the RES Insect Garden was relocated into the heart of Stratford Cross in East London — a site developed by Lendlease at the gateway to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — where it now provides a peaceful sanctuary for community recreation and learning.
“The design of the garden is inspired by the unexpected beauty and biodiversity found on British brownfield sites that are teeming with climate-resilient plant species and beneficial wildlife”, says the garden’s designer, Tom Massey. With more than 80% of the UK population now living in urban areas, and the continued rise in recognition of the biodiverse capability of brownfield sites, “this made its [the gardens] relocation to one of the country’s best-known brownfield regenerations particularly pertinent.”
Brownfield sites are defined as developed areas of land that were once in use but have since been abandoned. The periodic disturbance of the land combined with the low nutrient soil and man-made materials previously introduced to the site create the early successions of a mosaic habitat, making brownfield sites a ‘hot bed’ of biodiversity –they are known to support some of the rarest insect species in the UK.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
At the garden’s core is the outdoor laboratory which features a convex roof, fabricated to mimic the hexagonal and iridescent patterns of an insect's eye. Spanning 7m in diameter, this unique centre piece enables visitors to experience the world from an insect’s point of view. Each of the lab’s features, including the habitat panel walls are designed to provide habitat and shelter for insects. Now in its permanent home, the garden is a publicly accessible teaching garden, with the laboratory providing long-term opportunities for urban insect study. Not only does the garden support learning, but it also allows visitors to see up close the role insects play in urban environments, enabling them to see and learn about the benefits firsthand.
Massey notes that both education and inspiring a new generation of ‘insect scientists’ was a key part of the original brief.
Throughout the garden are a wide variety of insect habitats which demonstrate how discarded materials such as deadwood sculptures, sand and gabions filled with waste materials can be utilised and incorporated into urban spaces. While the planting scheme is inspired by nature typically found on brownfield sites, with a mix of native and non-native species which provide a rich source of food for pollinators and a range of other insects. Some of the plants found in the garden, such as Centaurea nigra (knapweed) and
clovers, which are commonly considered to be weeds are long-flowering and were chosen for their resilient nature; allowing them to withstand the effects of an increasingly unpredictable climate, which are arguably more commonly seen and felt in urban environments. Massey notes that the “planting is biodiverse and designed to support and attract insects while being immersive, climate resilient and providing year-round interest.” To further increase the garden's biodiversity value, a wider variety of species were chosen for the planting scheme, including several tree species; Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Betula pendula (silver birch), and Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), all of which are known to support over 300 insect species, from moths and hoverflies, to bees, beetles, and caterpillars. By creating a haven for insects to thrive, the garden gives visitors and students the opportunity to see many of these insects and more up close. Alongside the garden's biodiversity, sustainability was another key consideration – not just for its time at RHS Chelsea, but also for its relocation to an urban setting. Throughout the space “recycled, reclaimed and low impact materials are championed”, says Massey. “They aim to give people inspiration to replicate them on a smaller scale.” The garden is mulched with crushed recycled concrete, brick, and shingle to aid in water retention and provide more insect habitats, while the pathway is made from reclaimed pavers Massey notes that several significant changes were made to the garden upon its
Designer Tom Massey will be returning to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year with fellow designer Je Ahn for their ‘Avanade Intelligent Garden’ – which is to be built by The Outdoor Room. The garden is designed to be a piloting ground for a new innovative AI tool, created to support urban tree growth in the face of a changing and outright challenging climate.
relocation to the Stratford Cross site. During its time at RHS Chelsea, the central structure was sunken, and the paths were laid using rougher materials, while in Stratford the garden is now all one level, and the pathway re-laid to allow for wheelchair access. The RES Insect Garden is now a space for visitors of all ages to explore, allowing them not just to connect and engage with nature, but to learn firsthand the benefits of insects in urban areas.
Based in London, Tom Massey Studio has become synonymous with environmentally conscious gardens that work in harmony with nature and the people they are designed for. Tom’s work has won multiple awards and widespread recognition, as well as medals at garden shows and festivals in the UK and overseas. tommassey.co.uk
We’re collaborating with in-lite and Torc Pots to create something special at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Visit us from 20–24 May at Royal Hospital Way 248
Guided by Nature
Schellevis® produces concrete paving and elements to connect architecture with nature. Always supporting and respecting the outdoor space they are placed in.
The entire range has the same Schellevis® appearance. Used in combinations, the products help transform every outdoor space into a harmonious, timeless living environment.
Visit our website to see our products in a variety of outdoor spaces, in different ways and often combined.
Project Langdale Landscape
TRENDS Looking Up
Whether you’re looking to lessen or emphasise vertical impact, Matt Evans has a series of tips to help you achieve the desired result
In a world where land comes at a premium and urban spaces grow ever tighter, it’s time to look to the sky and consider how we use every bit of space available. Vertical impact can be created by drawing attention to or away from structures, or by adding height and dimension to otherwise flat areas. Depending on which element in a garden you’re referring to, vertical impact can be analysed in many different ways.
Lessening the impact
Lessening the impact of a vertical structure can be just as important as creating vertical interest. Often gardens have ugly borrowed views, inherited walls and boundaries, and fixed elements that are out of proportion with the rest of site. In this instance, I tend to turn initially to working with the issue rather than trying to remove it – usually due to budgetary constraints or the fact that they are out of our control and offsite.
Hardscape elements such as cladding or tiling details, screens and panelling can work
wonders in softening the impact of an unfortunate elevation. Sometimes even painting a wall or fence can make the world of difference and save valuable budget. More often than not, though, we turn to a combination of hardscaping and planting to create harmony and interest. On a short walk around Marylebone in London a few weeks ago, I stumbled across marvellous examples of large trees in pots, crammed into small basement courtyards. Their primary purpose: to break up the elevation and street scene from the interior of the property. The bigger, the better – simple but effective.
More often than not, we turn to a combination of hardscaping and planting to create harmony and interest
There are numerous off-the-shelf green wall systems available these days, each with
their own benefit and appropriate application. On smaller scale projects, they create pockets of calm without compromising functionality, using otherwise dead space to create interest, and leaving floor space for seating, movement and play. On a commercial scale, they’ve transformed workspaces, shopping centres and imposing building elevations the world over. The feeling of instant calm when in an urban environment you interact with green walling or cleverly considered vertical planting is quite something – nature where it shouldn’t be. The architect Stefano Boeri mastered this
application with the Milan vertical forest, Bosco Verticale, creating ever changing vertical landmarks. Projects such as these create not only vertical impact but set a precedent and push the boundaries of what is achievable, improving biodiversity, wellness and aesthetic in equal measure.
Creating impact
In a tight area, practical use of space is usually essential; using structure can create positive vertical impact, mood and atmosphere when all seems stacked against you. Take a look at our elevation image (top image), which was for a small urban courtyard. We proposed that paving ran through the client’s kitchen and out into the garden, and created clay paved detailing to create subtle line breaks in large format tiles at ground level. There were unsightly borrowed views comprised of air conditioning units and commercial premises windows, so we proposed on the rear boundary to lift the fence line using a beautiful trellis, forward planted with mature trees.
The retaining wall detail beneath was clad in a Corten style ceramic to add warmth and tone with a beautifully bullnosed limestone coping. This gave our clients the impression that the rear boundary was in fact lower than in reality. We ticked the seating box in the brief by designing an oriel window style bench seat backed with outdoor mirror, which doubled the depth of the garden when viewed from the interior of the house through staggered raised planters raised between 400 and 800mm above paving, using boundary to create and inform
vertical impact across the small site.
I’m a believer that one key consideration at the start should be planting. Vertical impact doesn't have to be something that’s over two metres in height. Creating vertical impact in your planting plans is crucial to achieve balance and, where possible, repetition. In this instance, the impact could be as simple as suggesting clients don’t cut their deciduous grasses back in winter to create off-season impact; perhaps it might be leaving areas of lawn to grow longer in relation to more manicured and formal areas. Here, the impact may only be 2-300mm but it’s all a question of scale.
There are, as always, considerations when it comes to vertical planting and hardscaping. A north-facing wall or structure may weather differently to one that gets full sun, particularly throughout the winter. Planting if being used in proximity to walls and buildings should be appropriate for its aspect and the site conditions – think about services, damp and risks to building maintenance in the future.
How do you interact with the structure or planting from above if it’s viewed from an upstairs window, roof terrace, or balcony? And finally, is it a sustainable or ethical solution?
MATT EVANS
Matt Evans is the managing director and design lead at The Garden Room Living and Landscape Studio, based in Poole, Dorset. The Garden Room is a young, creative design studio founded by partners in life and design, Matt and his wife Elle Evans. Located just a stone’s throw from the shores of Poole Harbour and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, they operate across Dorset, London and the south of England offering garden design, project management and planting as well as specialist aftercare. thegardenroomstudio.com
VERTICAL Accents
Growing Revolution
PlantBox™ is an award-winning, stackable and modular living wall system designed to bring walls to life. Price (incl. VAT): From £130 per m2 (volume-based discounts available) growingrevolution.com
RHS Prestige Traditional Cross Detail Wooden Obelisk Handmade in Essex and endorsed by the RHS, this stunning obelisk provides structure to gardens and is an excellent support for climbing plants. Price (incl.) VAT: From £616 gardentrellis.co.uk
Abstract Panels
Transform a garden with the coated and Corten steel abstract panels. They create privacy, a wind-free corner, or add an artistic touch. Price (incl. VAT): £277 adezz.com/en-gb
SMALL URBAN COURTYARD BY THE GARDEN ROOM LIVING AND LANDSCAPE STUDIO
GREEN WALL Getting to know your
The different types of living walls Living wall systems come in various forms, each with unique technical characteristics and plant performance profiles. The most relevant categories include:
• Modular felt systems
• Hydroponic systems
• Modular plastic systems
• Tray plastic systems
Design process
Start by identifying the requirements for the type of green wall you’ll be installing and what its purpose will be – for example; to increase biodiversity, improve the building’s performance, or to purify the surrounding air.
Once the specifications are in place, identify the optimal technical solutions for each component, from the substructure, irrigation
Terapia Urbana’s Tom Ward on what to consider when designing an outdoor living wall
and control system to the maintenance processes – consider what methods and systems are going to pair best with the living wall and surrounding environment.
Finally, you’ll face the planting design. Here, you’ll need to consider several steps: the microclimate, shade and sun positioning, planting scheme and design. This is probably the most relevant stage, as every project is different, and each location will have varying requirements.
Key considerations
You’ll need to consider the wall's exact location and access to the surrounding elements, from sunlight, shade from other buildings, trees, wind exposure and hardiness zone for the plants – the maximum and minimum temperature the plants would face in this location. Once you have this information, you can move to the plant selection and placement stage.
A successful outdoor wall can significantly boost biodiversity, air quality, and thermal performance, but only if climate, access and long-term maintenance are fully integrated into the design stage.
Tom Ward, country manager UK and Ireland –Terapia Urbana terapiaurbana.com/en
Matt Lindsay’s TOP THREE PLANTS FOR A LIVING WALL
Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’
A staple for commercial and residential schemes, Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ delivers year-round interest with its deep burgundy foliage. Leaf growth is neat and compact, and its long lasting flowers attract bees, butterflies and insects – making it ideal for living walls in shaded or semi-shaded outdoor settings.
Pachysandra terminalis
This evergreen ground-cover plant thrives in low-light conditions, making it another excellent choice for shaded or semi-shaded living walls. Its dense, trailing foliage ensures full coverage, providing a low maintenance, highly dependable option for any living wall.
Dryopteris filix-mas
A robust fern that is perfect for achieving a vertical woodland look. Dryopteris provides year-round texture and contrast. Its ability to withstand varied moisture levels and shaded conditions ensures reliability in commercial projects where visual impact is key.
Matt Lindsay, director and general manager of Growing Revolution growingrevolution.com
RISE On the
Sovereign Turf’s CEO David Waring on what is contributing to the rise in turf prices, and how you can keep your costs down
Earlier this year, the Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) put out a warning that the price of turf was likely to go up for the second consecutive year. Back in 2024 the same warning was issued following a year of unpredictable and extreme weather conditions.
The TGA says this year's rises are a result of continued weather inflicted challenges and rising operational costs; Sovereign Turf’s CEO David Waring agrees, citing the rise in National Insurance in April as also a recent pain point, which he says, “goes well beyond the normal inflationary benchmark.”
Following the 2024 Autumn Budget, National Insurance contributions for employers increased from 13.8% to 15% starting in April 2025, as did the threshold at which employers start paying National Insurance on their employees' wages, which was lowered from £9,100 to £5,000 per year.
Labour incurred costs are not the only factor contributing however, Waring notes that energy and irrigation costs are also playing a “key” role in this, “it costs quite a lot of money to get quality turf to be consistent throughout the course of the
year.” He goes on to say that, drilling turf in sandy soil brings with it a number of positive traits, but also, it’s fair share of negatives; “the downside is that during these dry periods, it [sandy soil] needs quite a lot of water to keep the grass growing, and water costs money, so it [turf] becomes very expensive to produce compared to turf that is grown on heavier soil types. It is the
It's a question of looking at what you’re bringing in and making sure that the turf is strong to start with
differentiator." Waring says that most pallets of turf are 80m2 or less, but Sovereign’s pallets are consistently 90m2 and as much as 120m2 due to the lightweight nature – "the biggest opportunity to reduce cost by reducing the unit cost of distribution.”
sandy soil that has the benefit of being quite lightweight – on average 15kg per roll – and it is the lightness of the roll that is the key
But with these impending rises outside of our control, what can we do to limit potential spend on a project? “It's a question of looking at what you’re bringing in and making sure that the turf is strong to start with. Weak turf will lead to higher levels of wastage on site and higher cost of handling,” says Waring, adding that weight is also another big differentiator, “if a roll of turf comes in at 20kg+ per roll and another on average at 15kg, it is easier to handle and avoids manual handling regulations."
So, while Waring says we’re naturally going to experience annual cost inflation as the year’s go on, recent weather events and the budget are adding increased financial pressure on growers and creating a knock-on effect to the buyer. And while this latest set of rises is arguably not the last, there are steps to be taken to potentially limit the damage.
the roof RESIN
With Schedule Three on the horizon, these resin products can ensure your next project is SuDS compliant
OLTCO Recycle Bound
Price: From £73 per m2
Recycle Bound is an award-winning, eco-conscious resin surface made using recycled plastic waste. Ideal for driveways, paths, and patios, it delivers a smooth, durable, and permeable finish. Each installation helps combat plastic pollution, blending sustainability with lasting style in one innovative, planet-friendly solution.
• Made with recycled plastic waste
• Fully permeable and SuDS compliant
• UV stable, prevents fading and cracking
• Smooth, anti-slip finish
• Durable and low maintenance surface
Recycle Bound supports SuDS compliance through its fully permeable surface. The Resin Bound system allows rainwater to drain naturally through the surface and into the ground below, helping to reduce surface water runoff. This makes it ideal for urban environments where managing water sustainably is essential. Recycle Bound is low maintenance, easy to clean, and available in a range of blends, providing functionality and aesthetic appeal. oltco.co.uk
VUBA SURFACES Vuba Resin Bound
Surfacing Price: Varies
Delivering a durable, low-maintenance finish for driveways, paths, and commercial areas. Fully permeable and SuDS compliant and BBA approved. As the industry's leading manufacturer, it sets the benchmark for quality.
The UVR resin bound system with a market-leading 50:50 mix ratio offers superior strength and durability. Paired with 100kg of Resin Rox – the high-performance, pre-blended aggregate range – for vibrant, consistent finishes and effortless installations. Designed for professional landscapers who demand quality, reliability, and stunning results.
• UV-stable 50:50 ratio resin formula
• Resin Rox pre-blended aggregate mixes
• Fully permeable and SuDS compliant
• Slip-resistant, smooth surface finish
• Long-lasting colour and finish. resinmill.co.uk
How can resin support SuDS compliance?
“Resin bound systems are naturally porous, allowing water to permeate through the surface and into a compliant sub-base. This reduces surface runoff and supports SuDS compliance, helping manage excess rainwater and mitigate flood risk in domestic and commercial landscapes. “
What are the benefits of including resin in a project?
“Including resin bound surfacing in a landscaping project offers a range of benefits for aesthetics and performance. Its seamless, smooth finish creates a contemporary look that complements modern outdoor design, while the permeable structure allows water to drain naturally, supporting SuDS compliance and reducing surface water runoff. With a high slip resistance, low maintenance requirements, and long-lasting durability, resin bound is ideal for driveways, paths, patios, and public spaces. When using systems like Resin Mill’s UVR Resin Bound with Resin Rox, you’re guaranteed a robust, fade-resistant surface.” Resin Mill
EASYTileAlign
We’ll help you select your plants.
We’ll source and deliver your order.
We offer planting and installation options. We’ll support you with our warranty and our follow-up care.
We are delighted to be shortlisted once again for the 2025 Pro Landscaper Business Awards, and look forward to celebrating with the industry at the ceremony
“Tendercare has been one of our key suppliers for nearly 15 years, providing an exceptional range of over-sized and unique material for many of our projects. Across the nursery the team are knowledgable, friendly and a pleasure to work with.”
- Will Allerton, Director, Allerton Landscape Design
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
• Julia Baker, Mott MacDonald
• Kevin Barton, Robert Bray Associates
• Andy Corcoran, Glendale
• Sam Grayson, Hyphae Learning
• Tim O’Hare, Tim O’Hare Associates
• Jack Potter, Wild Capital UK
• Chris Wellbelove, Blakedown Landscapes
• Nick White, Natural England
Your guide to this year's show
GARDENS Feature
Monty Don is creating his first show garden at the renowned show – with the help of his famous golden retriever
RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden
Designer
Monty Don
Contractor Form Plants
He's usually seen wandering around the show, presenting the BBC’s coverage and interviewing those involved in creating the gardens; but this year, Gardeners’ World’s Monty Don will be designing his own Chelsea garden for the first time. He'll be focusing on a topic close to his heart – creating a garden that dogs can enjoy. A large, rectangular, dandelion lawn will likely be a hot talking point. ‘Weeds’ such as daisies, dandelions and clover will be transplanted into a hard-wearing rye grass turf by RHS gardeners. Plantsman Jamie Butterworth mocked up the garden at his nursery, Form Plants, where Don’s golden retriever Ned ran through it, laying the groundwork for what will be the pathways, which will be inscribed with the names of dogs belonging to Radio 2 presenters and RHS ambassadors.
Relocation Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Other suppliers Form Plants, Paul Cameron Landscapes, RHS Garden Wisley, Water Artisans
“Our ultimate dog lawn is in truth, pretty humble, combining only a hard-wearing grass seed and the stalwarts of the garden –daisies, dandelions and clover. It’s a reminder that lawns don’t have to look perfect to be perfect for our pets, everyday use and the wider environment.”
“This is an irresistible opportunity to join with the RHS and Radio 2 to share my love of gardens and dogs at the world’s greatest horticultural event. Along with the superb team headed by Jamie Butterworth we shall be making a garden that is inspired by Longmeadow and my own dogs but above all a celebration of the way that so many of us share our gardens with our canine companions.”
Monty Don
Guy Barter, chief horticulturist, RHS
Relocation Old Buckenham Hall School, Brettenham Park, Ipswich A few of the suppliers Creepers Nursery, Kelways Nursery, Deepdale Trees, Boom & Bonheur, Burlington Stone, McKinnon & Harris, Landscapeplus, Niwaki, Torc Pots
Boodles Raindance Garden
Designer Dr Catherine MacDonald
Contractor Gadd Brothers Trees & Landscapes Sponsor Boodles
Celebrating 25 years of dancing in the rain, this garden is inspired by Boodles ‘Raindance’ jewellery collection. Jewellery designer Rebecca Hawkins witnessed rainwater cascading down stone at Chelsea, and from there the collection was born. Flowers such as Astrantia ‘Shaggy’ and Paeonia ‘Noemie Demay’ are intended to stand out like gemstones amongst green ferns, while the circular rill at the base of the domed roof of the raindance pavilion, which captures rainwater, symbolises the dance of the rain. Secondtime garden designer for Boodles at RHS Chelsea, Catherine MacDonald says the collection’s "delicate nature, intricate patterns, and soothing geometry have been a major inspiration for this design."
GARDENS Main Avenue
A mix of familiar and new faces will be lining the aisles of Chelsea to showcase the best of UK horticulture
Japanese designer Kazuyuki Ishihara first appeared at Chelsea nearly 20 years ago. He’s since won 12 Gold medals and five Best in Category awards – could this year’s garden add another to the list? Cha No Niwa is influenced by ‘ikebana’, the traditional art of flower arranging – in particular the Ikenobo School in Kyoto, the oldest and largest school of its kind – and the setting is Ishihara’s own garden in his hometown. “I have a desire to revitalise this depopulated town by turning it into a tourist destination and passing it on to the next generation,” says Ishihara. Trees found in the Japanese countryside such as Acer palmatum and Enkianthus perulatus will feature.
enquiries@wykeham.co.uk
Children With Cancer UK ‘A Place To Be...’
Designer Tom Clarke and Ros Coutts-Harwood
Contractor Big Fish Landscapes
Sponsor Children with Cancer UK
After designing a Balcony Garden at last year’s Chelsea – which won the category’s People’s Choice Award – 24-year-old Tom Clarke is returning to the show with close friend Ros CouttsHarwood, a former lawyer who will be making her debut. They’ll be working with the same charity Clarke designed for last year –Children with Cancer UK – and will be incorporating a Chelsea first: a monorail, which children can choose to hop on at the entrance, or they can take a meandering path through the garden instead. Clarke will be crafting the monorail, amongst various other elements of the garden, himself, from the steam bending of the hazel to building the furniture and stools.
Relocation Raines Retreat, North Yorkshire, the holiday retreat of the charity for the children and their families
A few of the suppliers Hortus Loci
The London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden
Designer Dave Green Contractor PC Landscapes Sponsor London Square
Reflective of the Royal Hospitals’ 330-year-old heritage, the garden aims to tell the stories of Chelsea Pensioners. “A home for soldiers broken by age and war,” says the charity, it will provide quiet reflection to be enjoyed by different generations. Designer Dave Green, hopes the space will be used for years to come once relocated to the hospital by residents and visitors. Its circular entrance and exit allowing people to come together and meet in the central social space.
Relocation It will stay within the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea, relocating to the Prince of Wales Yard A few of the suppliers Kelways, Majestic Trees, Deepdale Trees
Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden
Designer Manoj Malde
Contractor JJH Landscapes and GK Wilson Landscaping Sponsor ViiV Healthcare
RHS ambassador for diversity and inclusivity, Manoj Malde, will be telling the story of Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas and others who have been diagnosed with HIV. The garden aims to break down the stigma surrounding the virus, raise awareness of HIV and the normalise testing to end new transmissions. Red ribbon – a universal symbol of HIV awareness and support – will be draped from a gazebo, in front of which is hexagonal paving that reflects the chemical structure of HIV medication, such as that made by the garden’s sponsor, ViiV Healthcare.
Relocation Calthorpe Community Gardens in Kings Cross
A few of the suppliers Kelways Plants, Deepdales, Elveden Hedges, New Wood Trees, Weather It, BBS Natural Stone Specialists, Landscapeplus, Allgreen
“What we are doing is planting the living wall plants in panels where pockets will be created in felted wool. This helps to retain some level of moisture, releasing it as the plants need it and also the roots of the plants will grow into the felted wool giving the wall more integrity.”
Manoj Malde
STOPPING THE STIGMA
Gareth Thomas sees RHS Chelsea as an ideal platform for helping to change people's perceptions of HIV
WORDS: NINA MASON
As soon as Gareth Thomas met Manoj Malde at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show two years ago, he knew Malde was the garden designer to bring his own message to the show – and for this to be an opportunity to reach an even wider audience. Six years ago, the Welsh rugby legend revealed he had been diagnosed with HIV, a virus which attacks the immune system. It sparked him to set up Tackle HIV, a campaign that is partnered with the Terrence Higgins Trust that aims to break down the stigma surrounding the virus.
It’s funded and supported by ViiV Healthcare – a global specialist HIV company – who had been in touch with Malde as the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) ambassador for diversity and inclusivity. The garden designer had invited the team to visit the show with Thomas in the same year that Malde made Chelsea history by marrying his long-term partner on his own show garden.
The experience made Thomas realise two things. Firstly, the footfall and media coverage that Chelsea draws in. The RHS says last year’s show featured in more than 7,700 broadcast, print and online articles which it reckons has the combined potential to have reached over 12 billion.
“We also saw that a garden has an amazing way of telling the same story and the same message that we as a campaign have been delivering for many years but in a beautifully different way. For us, it's a great way of reaching a demographic of people that this campaign potentially may never be able to reach. Sometimes you have to show a lived experience of somebody who’s faced stigma for people to realise that they might be part
of the stigmatised society themselves through a lack of education or knowledge. So, as much as the garden will shine a light on the message we’re trying to deliver, it will also hopefully shine a light on society.”
When HIV was first diagnosed in the 80s, there was little understanding about the causes and how it was spread and a sweeping belief that only gay men and drug users could be infected, which sparked prejudice and arguably caused the stigma which continues today. A Tackle HIV survey last year revealed a staggering 44% would not tell family and friends if they were diagnosed and nearly a fifth (17%) would see the diagnosis as a death sentence. Thomas is eager to change this, and he saw Malde as someone who could help to tell the story.
Thomas says: “I felt that Manoj had a sense of empathy and understanding, a sense of wanting to learn and an experience from being from what is a disproportionate community of people affected by HIV. Having that understanding meant that he not only listened but understood what we were saying.
“There are so many features of the garden that represent me, the history of people living with HIV, the epidemic in the 80s, that represent their fear – and then to the celebration that is now when we have science and medicine that allows people like me to live with HIV, to take one tablet a day and thrive in life.
“To be able to tell that story, the designer had to have empathy and understanding of the message we were trying to deliver."
“That’s been the wonderful thing about this design journey,” says Malde.“I’m taking Gareth’s life experiences and translating them into a beautiful outdoor space. I’ve not experienced anywhere near the stigma that Gareth has, but I have experienced racism and homophobia. Growing up as a gay man from an ethnic background with a different culture, I can empathise in some ways with people who experience and live with stigma. A friend of mine came out to me that he was living with HIV, but only years into our friendship because he was scared he’d lose me as a friend. People still live in fear of telling their loved ones. It’s important that we work to eradicate that fear and the stigma.”
that, the inspiration started. I saw the hexagonal setup and I thought, I can create a garden. I started playing around with different sized hexagons and placing them. As I was doing that, I could see where it was heading – pathways, planting areas, seating, a water feature.”
Then attention turned to incorporating the message into the design, and it was Thomas who came up with the idea of the bridge. “It’s a really poignant part of the garden,” says Malde.“You come to the point where you have to cross the bridge and there’s no safety barriers, so there’s a moment of fear – that moment of fear that you feel when you’re first told that you are HIV positive. The action of taking your first step across the bridge signifies the positive direction you’re heading in. It’s about that leap of faith.”
Red ribbon, a recognisable symbol of support for those affected by HIV/AIDS, flows from the structure above the seating area, and the vibrant Eschscholzia californica 'Red Chief' has been threaded through the planting scheme. Prickly Aralia elata is dotted throughout to reflect the stigma, and multistem Zelkova serrata trees symbolise the fulfilling life those with HIV can lead on effective medication.
Both Thomas and Malde wanted the garden – which is being built by JJH Landscapes with help from Tisserand English Gardens and GK Wilson Landscaping – to be positive overall.
A garden has an amazing way of telling the same story and the same message that we as a campaign have been delivering for many years but in a beautifully different way
Gareth Thomas
UNAIDS has set a goal of ending HIV and AIDS (a chronic condition caused by the virus) as a public health threat by 2030 – something that Thomas says is only achievable if they manage to reduce the stigma and help people better understand it.
“2030 is not that far away. To reach that goal, everybody needs to know their status, so we need to normalise testing.”
Tackle HIV’s survey found that less than half would take an HIV test and 44% said this is because they thought they were not at risk.“HIV is a virus that can affect anybody, regardless of sexuality, gender or race. So, everybody needs to do a test,” says Thomas.“If you take a test and it’s negative, just continue living the way that you have been living. If you take a test and it’s positive, don’t fear, because you can start medication straight away. When that medication becomes effective, the virus in your blood becomes undetectable which means you can’t transmit the virus through sexual contact. You can live a normal, happy and healthy life.”
Raising awareness, reducing stigma and normalising testing to end new transmissions – it’s a lot to squeeze into one garden. It’s been a “great challenge” for Malde, but a welcome one.
“My first question was, could I have a look at the molecular structure of the medication? Once I received
“We didn’t want any kind of negativity in the garden. We both agreed that there needs to be a respectful nod to the past, which we’ve done through ethereal sculptures, but these are crocheted out of black wire so you can see through them to a positive future. So, the one thing that nods to the past is still a piece of beauty within the garden,” says Malde.
The whole process has given Thomas and his husband Stephen an even stronger sense of how important their own garden is and the happiness and wellbeing it can provide.“We felt like all our money should be invested inside the house, but we’ve now invested more outside, and it’s given us so much happiness. We have so much nature that comes into the garden because we entice it; bringing our garden to life has given me and Steve a reason to enjoy life even more.”
That’s exactly what Thomas is hoping the Chelsea garden will do too – tackling the stigma of HIV and giving those diagnosed with it a chance at the happy and healthy life he now leads.
For more information visit tacklehiv.org and follow @TackleHIV
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Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden
Designer Nick Burton and Duncan Hall
Contractor Kate Gould Gardens
Sponsor Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Project Giving Back
Inspired by Duncan Hall’s eight-year-old nephew, he and design partner Nick Burton hope this garden will “challenge the misconceptions and barriers faced by people in the community”. On the run up to the show, the duo has been hosting workshops in and around Scotland, with members of the garden’s charity sponsor, Down’s Syndrome Scotland; creating various features that can be found in the garden, from bespoke timber benches to multi-coloured tiles – eagle eyed visitors will also be able to spot subtle references made throughout the garden that call back to the Down’s syndrome community.
“We have commissioned three Scottish-based artisans: the renowned ceramist Frances Priest, who has designed 21 colourful, tiles which are set into our paving; Old-School Fabrications, which has designed our garden building named ‘the hug’; and Laurence McIntosh who has designed two benches which are made of up 21 seating slats and three sets of legs to reference the partial or full third copy of chromosome 21, which causes Down’s syndrome.”
Nick Burton and Duncan Hall
Hospice UK: Garden of Compassion
Designer Tom Hoblyn
Contractor Mark Whyman Landscapes
Sponsor Hospice UK, Project Giving Back
Relocation The Palacerigg Country Park, North Lanarkshire, Scotland managed by the charity Watch Us Grow. A few of the suppliers Old School Fabrications, Frances Priest, Laurence McIntosh, Landscapeplus, Bronzino, Denfind Stone, Kelways Plants, Kevock Garden Plants, Deepdale Trees, Peter Nyssen
For his last RHS Chelsea, award-winning Tom Hoblyn returns with a garden design based on the wilder parts of the Mediterranean because “it appeals to the senses and textures that are so important for people to connect with,” he says. Inspired by the olive houses in Mallorca, it also features a selection of specialist plants grown by Hoblyn, some from seeds he collected on his plant hunting expeditions to the Mediterranean. Once relocated, it will provide patients at St Cuthbert’s Hospice with a space to enjoy and connect with nature.
Relocation St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham
A few of the suppliers Hortus Loci, Thea Thompson Ceramics, Mark Tungate, Tom Trouton, Rachel Chudley Interior Design, Guy Valentine
“Sustainability is at the heart of the design. The use of reclaimed materials and drought-tolerant Mediterranean plants aligns with the need for climate-resilient gardens. The garden demonstrates how we can design spaces that are both beautiful and future-proof. Monumental boulders anchor the design, while sustainable materials, such as steam-bent oak benches and sculpted Roman cement water bowls, reflect a “make do and mend” ethos. The work of British Craftsmanship and traditional artisan techniques are being celebrated throughout the garden.”
Tom Hoblyn
Killik & Co ‘Save for a Rainy Day Garden’
Designer Baz Grainger
Contractor Landform Consultants
Sponsor Killik & Co
Designed to withstand unpredictable weather patterns, the garden is inspired by a changing climate. Garden designer Baz Grainger says “key elements of the garden are about its ability for resilience,” such as trees; Zelkova serrata and Pinus mugo ‘Mughus’. Part of the garden is made from 3D printed material which produces less waste and CO2, a technique never seen before at Chelsea. Made from 3% cement to provide structural integrity, the rest of the garden is built without using concrete.
Relocation The Centrepoint women’s shelter for 18–21-year-olds in Camden
A few of the suppliers Creepers Nursery, Kelways Nursery, Boom & Bonheur, Allgreen, Aquascape, Niwaki, Innocrete, Torc Pots
The Pathway Garden
Designer Allon Hoskin & Robert Beaudin
Contractor Modular Garden Limited
Sponsor Pathway, Project Giving Back
Creating an interconnected space without dead ends, the garden is inspired by the work of the Pathway charity. "The garden is about sustainability at every level,” says garden designer Allon Hoskin. Where it supports people out of homelessness, the garden has mirrored the journey of an individual finding a happier life. Reflecting the obstacles they face, the garden features boulders intersecting the first section of the path. Designed using only up-cycled materials, the garden uses waste from previous RHS shows.
Relocation The Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, the location of one of Pathway’s specialist homeless healthcare teams
The King’s Trust Garden: Seeding Success
Designer Joe Perkins
Contractor The Landscaping Consultants
Sponsor The King’s Trust, Project Giving Back
Drawing on The King’s Trust’s work with young people, the garden is inspired by volcanic environments highlighting pioneer plants and their attributes for life, growth and optimism; echoing the potential parallels to the young people involved with the charity. Its resilience in the most challenging environments has been highlighted by awardwinning landscape designer Joe Perkins. He has featured a series of screen printed glass panels reflective of seed dispersal and the social mobility work of The Trust.
Relocation Uxbridge College, West London where it will be used, developed and maintained by students enrolled on The King’s Trust programme and the local community
A few of the suppliers HALTglass, Oli Carter, Olgilvie, Richard Weaver Metalsmith, Kelways Nursery
British Red Cross ‘Here for Humanity’ Garden
Designer John Warland and Tom Bannister
Contractor GK Wilson Landscaping
Sponsor British Red Cross
A first for the British Red Cross, the organisation comes to Chelsea with a garden inspired by its founder and the Red Cross Movement’s first volunteer, Henri Dunant.
Designed by Gold-winning John Warland and Tom Bannister, the charity’s work is “worthy of recognition,” says Warland. The garden is also inspired by countless dedicated volunteers across the UK. Featuring alpine species from around the world, the collection of plants will reference the lifesaving work of the Red Cross globally while reflecting the plant's resilient nature.
“Larssen sheet metal piling usually has an industrial application (motorway embankments), but we have repurposed it here to provide structural retaining walls. Aesthetically interesting, it also opens up possibilities for on-hire options for show garden construction.”
John Warland and Tom Bannister
Relocation The grounds of Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, South London
A few of the suppliers Pickmere Nursery, Kevock, Kelways Plants, Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens, Claverton Cloches, Riverdale Falls
Relocation A women’s prison in the South East of England
A few of the suppliers Form Plants, Hardy’s Cottage Plants, How Green, David Austin Roses, Peter Beales Roses, Fibrex Nurseries, Allgreen
The Glasshouse Garden
Designer Jo Thompson
Contractor Ryan Alexander Associates
Sponsor The Glasshouse, Project Giving Back
“We are working with Midton on the creation of the tinted acrylic screens for the pavilion. Midton has become a leading maker of recycled acrylic in response to the growing demand for circular products and materials. Their “Remade” product is created from 70% recycled acrylic waste. It is environmentally friendly and reduces the amount of waste going to landfill. The product is also 100% recyclable, meaning it can be used again and again. Midton are making the screens with four different colour tints that complement the colour palette Jo has chosen for the garden. We liked the way the light comes through the screens, bouncing off it, and the gentle tint as you look out.”
The Glasshouse returns to Chelsea for a garden inspired by “strong women supporting other women who hadn’t had the fortune that others have had,” says garden designer Jo Thompson. A charity supporting women in prison, Thompson has created a space of reflection intended to be used once relocated to a prison in the South East of England with The Glasshouse charity. Alongside calming water attributes, the garden also reflects Thompson’s concept of strong beauty. Partnering with Project Giving Back has enabled the garden to facilitate the opportunity for smaller voices to be heard.
Jo Thompson
Garden of the Future
Designer Matthew Butler and Josh Parker
Contractor Acacia Gardens
Sponsor Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
From meeting at university and discovering a shared love of gardening, to designing a garden together at Chelsea, Matthew Butler and Josh Parker’s design envisioned a not-too-distant future where the climate has continued to change; featuring climate-resilient and biodiverse planting to highlight the evolving nature of our earth’s ecosystem, and with it the evolving need to grow plants and crops in a more sustainable, climate-resilient way
Relocation Plants will be relocated to various locations around London thanks to the Energy Garden, an organisation which helps to green up grey spaces. The material used to construct the Climate-Smart Hub will be broken down and used as a soil mulch/top dressing around plants at relocation sites, and the green roof materials will be used to create smaller green roofs in the relocation sites
A few of the suppliers Fallen & Felled, Jay Davey Bespoke Willow, Kelways Plants, Deepdale Trees, Jon Wheatley
The Avanade ‘Intelligent’ Garden
Designer Tom Massey and Je Ahn
Contractor
The Outdoor Room
“The Cranfield Circular Toilet is a compact and self-contained toilet system and is included in our garden design to highlight the importance of safe and sustainable sanitation in building climate-resilient futures, especially for the 3.5 billion people worldwide who are living without it. Developed at Cranfield University, the Cranfield Circular Toilet uses an innovative approach to convert household generated wastewater into clean, non-potable water which can be used for irrigation and pathogen-free biochar. Excess water from the green roof will be fed into a dipping tank. When this overflows, it will flow into a rainwater harvester which will then be pumped up using the Futurepump – a solar power pump.”
Matthew Butler and Josh Parker
An urban forest garden, garden designers Tom Massey and Je Ahn embrace the use of AI in supporting the health and survival of urban trees in cities. In celebration of Avande’s 25th anniversary, Chelsea will serve as a public showcase for their AI technology. The garden will recognise the tree survival crisis, "our goal is to develop an AI tool that complements – rather than replaces – human knowledge and judgement," says Massey. Equipped with sensors, the garden will be able to track its own tree health, while visitors can learn about the trees' needs.
“We are exploring how technology might support human efforts to maintain nature’s balance in the face of the climate crisis. Urban trees worldwide are increasingly under threat, and our goal is to develop an AI tool that complements –rather than replaces – human knowledge and judgement. By providing clear, practical, and actionable insights, this tool aims to support custodians of urban trees in making informed, sustainable decisions that protect and enhance the long-term health of the trees under their stewardship.”
Tom Massey
The Addleshaw Goddard: Freedom to Flourish Garden
Designer Carey Garden Design Studio
Contractor The Outdoor Room
Sponsor Addleshaw Goddard
With an intention to ‘slow you down’, a Norfolk colloquialism stands as inspiration for this garden based on the area's natural landscapes. Designed by Carey Garden Design Studio, it rediscovers ancient rhythms “to unlock creativity, potential and to flourish,” says Joe Carey. Built on sandy tones and flowering grasses, the garden also features lilacs, indigo and peaches in the flowers of Oenothera odorata ‘Apricot Delight’, Baptisia australis and Hesperis matronalis. Planned as a retreat for respite, the garden will be relocated to Honeypot House in Hampshire to encourage visitors to spend more time in nature.
Relocation Honeypot House in Hampshire, a retreat for respite weekends and educational breaks
A few of the suppliers Ashwells Timber, Affable Piling, Water Artisans, Katie’s Plant Nursery, How Green Nursery, Deepdale Trees
“The garden features a unique water system with two subterranean tanks, designed to suit Chelsea’s excavation depths. These tanks remove six cubic metres of water every 10 minutes, gradually releasing it through the ground to mimic a salt marsh, with an override option to control pathway flooding. We worked closely with Water Artisans to create a technical system that appears completely natural. Elsewhere, we’re using 80% reclaimed and by-product materials with Norfolk thatching reed to build a striking boundary wall – an affordable, wildlife-friendly feature that balances visual impact with subtle, embedded sustainability.”
After an eight-year hiatus, renowned planting designer Nigel Dunnett is back at Chelsea with a garden that looks completely different from his previous awardwinning endeavours, which were focused around urban greening. He returns with an artistic, abstract take on the dunescape of Arbroath in Scotland, where the Hospitalfield Arts centre is based. Resilient, coastal planting such as Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez’ and Tamarix ramosissima will be grown in sand, and a dune pool will collect rainwater from an outdoor artist’s studio and the surrounding garden.
Relocation Ladyloan Primary School in Arbroath, Scotland
A few of the suppliers Hortus Loci, Broadbent Studio, Bothy Stores, Medite Smartply
“As a dunescape, the planting is all established in sand. There is a lot of interest in growing plants in lower fertility mineral soils or substrates, or using mulch layers of sands, grits, and gravels, as a way of creating really resilient and tough gardens and plantings –and with our changing climate, using drought-tolerant plants, but in free-draining soils and substrates that don't become waterlogged in times of excess rainfall. So, the dune garden is a good way to talk about all these techniques for creating gardens that are fit for the future.”
Nigel Dunnett
MOULD BREAKING THE
Nigel Dunnett returns to RHS Chelsea with an entirely unpredictable garden
WORDS: NINA MASON
It’s been eight years since Nigel Dunnett designed a garden for Chelsea. His last garden, the RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden in 2017, was centred around urban greening – and that’s been the theme of most of his show gardens previously, in one way or another. He is the RHS Urban Greening Ambassador, after all.
This year’s garden is breaking the mould, though.“It’s a bit of a departure for me. My early show gardens for the RHS over 10 years ago were, in all modesty, really pioneering. They brought eco and sustainability ideas and rainwater management and biodiversity to the Main Avenue before anybody else was really doing it. It’s great to see those ideas are mainstream now, but I didn’t want to do more of the same. A lot of what I’ve done in the past has been very meadow-y, soft and romantic, but I wanted to do something a bit different here.”
The Hospitalfield Arts Garden will certainly be unlike any other garden at this year’s show. It’s funded by Project Giving Back, so Dunnett needed to partner with a charity or a good cause. He chose Hospitalfield Arts, a contemporary arts centre based in Arbroath, Scotland, for which Dunnett has designed a garden previously.
“They support artists by giving residences to new and emerging artists and doing a lot of outreach work in schools and so on, and I’ve worked with them for quite a long time. So, I knew them already and suggested putting forward a joint idea for Chelsea."
The concept for the garden is built around where the centre is based in Arbroath, which is on the North Sea coast and is known for its picturesque sandy beaches.“I wanted to do something with the garden that spoke about the location, and the east coast
of Scotland has these wonderful sand dune landscapes, or ‘dunescapes’.
“But Hospitalfield is an arts organisation, so I didn’t want to just create a dunescape; I wanted to create a garden that has been designed and made in a way that an artist might view the local landscape, so interpreted through an artistic eye.
I wanted to make a highly sculptural, dramatic garden with bold topography.”
Dunes will be created using Medite,“a very sustainable, long-lasting outdoor plywood” that will be painted and treated to have a rusted effect. They will surround an ‘artist bothy’ studio and workspace, with a pool to collect rainwater.
Whilst the planting will be coastal, Dunnett won’t simply be copying the plants founds in Arbroath.“It’s very much based upon foliage and textures, but then with brightly coloured flowers coming up around that. It’s a resilient planting scheme, and that coastal starting point really helps with that, because plants that grow in coastal conditions are really tough to put up with the elements – the dry, cold and windy conditions. And it’s a good talking point in the face of a very variable and extreme climate that we’re facing at the moment.”
The professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture in the University of Sheffield’s Department of Landscape is renowned for his high-impact, low-input landscapes. The plants in his Chelsea garden –such as Euphorbia mellifera, Armeria maritima and Geranium palmatum – will be grown in sand, which Dunnett says emphasises tough, resilient planting.
just functional – so, where to put the seating area and the bins – and it’s not just about horticulture, such as whether to grow a particular plant and how to maintain it. It can be a really emotional experience for whoever is using it, and that’s one element I really wanted to stress.”
What's the point of doing something at Chelsea if it's not challenging or bringing new ideas or causing discussion? To me, that's part of the purpose
Nigel Dunnett
“This isn’t a topsoil-rich, productive garden in the traditional sense, and it’s not a flat garden; we’ve been conditioned to think of gardens as two dimensional, but we wanted to put in the landform and the dramatic mounds and valleys which give us microclimates and ecological conditions and increase the biodiversity.”
Creating gardens is an “art form,” says Dunnett.“It’s not
I wanted to express a different side of what I do with this one.
Whilst the concept might be unique, one thing that won’t be changing from Dunnett’s previous show gardens is the contractor –Landform Consultants.“We’ve got a very long, strong, ongoing relationship. I trust that they are going to do the best job possible. [Managing director] Mark Gregory has a lot of experience in delivering show gardens, and the team has an absolute dedication to perfection that has really made me want to work with them again and again.”
After designing five RHS Chelsea gardens over an eight-year period, Dunnett thought he’d got the Chelsea bug out of his system. But when this opportunity came up, it was a chance to challenge himself and try something new.
“There's no point just repeating what's been done before. What's the point of doing something at Chelsea if it's not challenging or bringing new ideas or causing discussion? To me, that's part of the purpose. So, it’s a huge challenge to me to do something that people may not have seen before. That was my motivation. I felt I still had something to say despite having had a lot of show gardens, and
“There’s a combination of horticulture, ecology and art coming together – and that’s a really powerful thing. We hope it will stand out. There’s a bit of a theme this year, which I absolutely support; there are several gardens that have a strong sense of place. They could only have been inspired by the place that they have come from or they're going to, as opposed to gardens that could be anywhere, with no sense of place. And that's something that is really important to me, wherever I'm working.”
The garden will go onto its permanent location at Ladyloan Primary School, next to the harbour in Arbroath.“It’s a new school and they’ve got lots of space around them with chickens, a green house and some outdoor space already. The show garden is going to go into the grounds, and it’s a place that Hospitalfield can do outreach work with the school, but also other artists and visitors can come in. It’s important to have this contact with nature at school; we all have to try and do as much as we can for future generations to have those sorts of experiences. For many people in our world, it’s these experiences that are part of the reason we do what we do.”
Could we see Dunnett return to Chelsea after this year’s show? That’s up for discussion, but if he does create another garden, it’ll be something we’ve never seen before.
HOSPITALFIELD WALLED GARDEN
HOSPITALFIELD ARTS
DECK defence
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Design for drainage and ventilation
Water should always have a way to drain away from the deck structure. Gaps between decking boards are a given, but ventilation beneath the deck is equally critical.
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GARDENS All About Plants
Four debut designers put plants front and centre of their gardens, with some rare species and Chelsea firsts
Seawilding
Designer Ryan McMahon Contractor Frogheath Landscapes Sponsor Seawilding, Project Giving Back
It’s not only the first time that landscape architect Ryan McMahon will be appearing at Chelsea – having moved back from Australia five years ago – but also the first time for seagrass, which is being grown by the Ocean Conservation Trust. A clear tank will allow visitors to see it in a saltwater pool being made by Aquarium Technology, which creates tanks for clients such as Sealife. “For me, it’s not just a land-based garden, but it’s a sea-based garden as well,” says McMahon, who was inspired to bring the story of Seawilding – an oyster and seagrass restoration project – to the show. “They’re gardening, but they’re doing it underwater to bring back the lost biodiversity.” The seagrass will be returned to the charity after the show to be used for restoration, and a seagrass sculpture by ArtFe will be a focal point of the garden, at two and half metres in height.
Relocation The west coast of Scotland at Loch Craignish, home to Seawilding
A few of the suppliers Kelways Plants, Rare British Plants, New Wood Trees, Moss Clerks, Ocean Conservation Trust, Aquarium Technology, ArtFe
FOUR DEBUT DESIGNERS TO LOOK OUT FOR AT CHELSEA
Check out these four designers making their debut at RHS Chelsea this year in the All About Plants category, drawing on personal passions and planting to tell their stories.
PlantSpotlight
"Bringing a plant that's never been shown before at Chelsea was quite a draw for me. It wasn't something that I really set out to do, but I thought if we're doing Seawilding and telling their story then it would be great to have seagrass there – but there were hurdles to overcome. It's a protected species, so we can't harvest it from the wild, and there's not many places in the UK that are growing it on land. There's probably just a handful, and the Ocean Conservation Trust is one of those.”
Ryan McMahon
The SurvivalSongBirdGarden
Designer Nicola Oakey
Contractor Crowton Rowarth Ltd
Sponsor SongBird Survival, Project Giving Back
Growing up going to Chelsea, Nicola Oakey’s parents' contribution to the Orchid Society of Great Britain stand meant the flower show was a consistent part of her childhood. While this is her first time designing a garden for Chelsea, she comes with plenty of prior knowledge in the industry. Designed for children, her Songbird Survival Garden is an immersive space representing the reduction in songbird population. “We all should do something to try and help them in our own gardens,” says Oakey. The garden, inspired by the movement and perspective of a bird, features metalwork motifs of threatened UK songbirds.
Relocation The Alf Marshall Community Centre in Bransholme, Hull in East Yorkshire, managed by the Neighbourhood Network Charity
A few of the suppliers Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, Hortus Loci, Deepdale, Elveden Instant Hedging, Lincolnshire Pond Plants, Long Rake Spar, Landscapeplus
“The garden’s central birdhouse structure was built by Crowton Rowarth from reclaimed materials. It features six bespoke pieces of artwork created for SongBird Survival by Cambridgeshirebased artist, Jeni Cairns; they are plasma cut from repurposed oil drums. The circular motifs depict six songbirds on the UK’s ‘red list’ for the biggest decline in numbers. The birds featured are greenfinch, starling, house martin, skylark, willow tit & yellowhammer. The back wall of the birdhouse features a wildlife friendly, dead hedge to provide habitat for insects and evoke a nest-like texture. There is also a sustainable water management system, which includes a bird-friendly pond and rain garden.”
Nicola Oakey
Readyhedge hedging plants, like the mixed native hedging shown here, are container-grown in the UK and fully acclimatised to UK conditions. With over 20 years’ experience, Readyhedge delivers hedging to rely on, wherever you are.
The Wildlife Trusts’ British Rainforest Garden
Designer Zoe Claymore
Contractor Frogheath Landscapes
Sponsor The Wildlife Trusts, Project Giving Back
When asked about her Chelsea experience, debut designer Zoe Claymore described it as “Hampton Court on steroids”- referring to her 2023 award-winning Renters Retreat Garden. This year Claymore is bringing a slice of Dart Valley to the show ground with her garden inspired by the temperate rainforests of Britain. “I’m basically bottling down a valley into a domestic sized space,” with much of the garden’s stone and trees all having been sourced from a “tight geographical area for provenance and ecological accuracy.”
Relocation Bristol Zoo
A few of the suppliers
How Green Nursery, Kevock Garden Plants, New Wood Trees, Rymer Trees, Highland Moss, Lincolnshire Pond Plants, Landscapeplus, Kenmart Ltd, Truro Granite, Gardens Revived
“We have been working with suppliers to reduce the plastic consumption in the garden. Working with How Green, we have found a good, viable alternative to a plastic pot. Innovation is not just about how things are built; it’s about the day-to-day materials we use for sundries that can often make a big environmental impact. We want to encourage others to be brave and follow suit.”
Zoe
Claymore
“The garden embraces a simple yet versatile design, utilising recyclable materials like steel and sustainable resources such as the woven willow back panels that will be attached to soft wood posts. The selection of durable materials promotes longevity and reduces the need for replacements, whilst the use of steel allows for adaptability, as elements can be reduced or expanded to suit different spaces. The back panels, made of woven willow, are known for their sustainability by their rapid growth, effective carbon sequestration and significant carbon offset value. In the post-show breakdown and relocation, the willow panels will also be used to create screening, and the steel fabrication will be re-used and repositioned as it is.”
Katy Terry
The ADHD Foundation Garden
Designer Katy Terry
Contractor PC Landscapes
Planting Good Grounding Garden Design
Sponsor ADHD Foundation, Project Giving Back, The Neurodiversity Charity
Back in 2023 around the time Katy Terry was toying with the idea of designing her first Chelsea garden, she received her ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) diagnosis, which she says was “absolutely” what convinced her to partner with the garden’s sponsor, ADHD Foundation The Neurodiversity Charity. With a 30:70 hardscape to planting ratio, Terry’s design highlights “how plants, like humans, do not always do what is expected of them, but in doing so, often offer more than if they conformed”. She hopes that this garden will go onto become a haven for those with ADHD to escape and immerse themselves in nature.
Relocation Liverpool University
A few of the suppliers
Form Plants, Hardys Plants, Crug Farm, Griffin Nurseries, AJW Studio, Landscapeplus, Allgreen, Surrey Iron Craft, Mollie McMillen, Sasha Sykes Studio, David Begbie
“Taxus baccata, or English yew, is one of Britain’s most iconic native evergreens. Valued for its dense foliage and timeless form, it can be expertly shaped into elegant, tactile structures. Traditionally used in formal gardens and scared spaces, the yew invites quiet reflection – it's sculpted presence offering a moment of pause and connection with the natural world.”
Alan
Standring, Griffin Nurseries
READ MORE ABOUT THIS GARDEN ON PAGE 90
How designer Katy Terry’s own ADHD diagnoses shaped her debut garden at RHS Chelsea
WORDS: BETHANY VANN
THE ADHD FOUNDATION GARDEN
CELEBRATING NEURODIVERSITY
In a study by the University of Huddersfield and Aston University it was found that the number of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) prescriptions being issued in England saw an average annual increase of 18% in 2023/24 when compared to 2019/20. More and more news articles are reporting a rise in ADHD assessment requests, and within this rapid influx has been accredited in part to social media channels, such as TikTok. This incline has led to people up and down the country being diagnosed later in life; founder of Good Grounding Garden Design, and designer of the ADHD Foundation Garden, Katy Terry is one such person.
Terry’s diagnosis came in 2023, right around the time she was toying with the idea of designing a garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, she says her mind was made up after speaking with one of the garden’s sponsors, ADHD Foundation The Neurodiversity Charity; “I became passionate about creating a garden to open up conversations that would challenge misconceptions around what ADHD is.” ADHD is defined by its inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive characteristics. Two common symptoms are difficulty maintaining focus for long periods and persistent feelings of restlessness. These challenges can
be difficult to navigate and often lead to frustration and unease, which can hinder daily activities and negatively impact a person's mental health. Terry didn’t just want to create a garden that would raise awareness, she wanted to create a space “where people with ADHD can escape and immerse themselves in the quiet calm of nature”, allowing the garden to be used by the very people it is raising awareness for.
THE ADHD FOUNDATION NEURODIVERSITY CHARITY
The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity provides services, training and consultancy for the UK’s National Health Service, public and private sectors, relating to all aspects of neurodiversity: Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, and Tourette syndrome. The Foundation has been at the forefront of the neurodiversity agenda in the UK and is responsible for the award-winning Neurodiversity Umbrella Project.
Featuring in the All About Plants category, which is sponsored by Project Giving Back, the 8m x 6m space is required to consist of 70 – 80% planting; meaning each of the garden’s featuring will need to convey their messages through the softer elements, Terry’s included. “The garden’s message is to show how plants, like humans, do not always do what is expected of them. But, in doing so, often offer more than if they conformed”, she hopes that this will “encourage visitors to ‘think differently’, and celebrate all neurodivergent people who positively contribute to society by applying their unique attributes to everyday life,” – echoing the neurodiversity paradigm, a framework for understanding the human brain which views each person’s differences as a natural expression of human potential.
While Terry has opted not to include a particular planting technique within the scheme, the garden is made up of a 30:70 ratio (hardscape to soft), with a variety of plants “to show how each individual plant, with their unique qualities, plays a part in the bigger scheme”; from Salvia greggii and Persicaria 'Silver Dragon' to Beesia calthifolia and Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen', each “curated from a wide range of colours, forms, sizes and textures.”
community”. There, it will provide a “calming environment and a sense of escapism”, allowing visitors to immerse themselves amongst the softer elements that “beautifully reflect and celebrate their personal neurodiversity”.
After its run at the show, the ADHD Foundation Garden will be relocated to the University of Liverpool to “support its neurodiverse student and staff
As awareness for ADHD continues to rise, heightened exposure often comes with increased spreading of misinformation and that’s what Terry is looking to challenge; “by having the opportunity to showcase a garden at RHS Chelsea, we are challenging preconceptions and stereotypes about people with a neurodivergent condition,” noting that “ADHD may still be a sensitive issue for some, but I’d like to argue that it’s not something to be ashamed of – that it’s part of what makes each of us special and a valuable member of society.” One in five people in the UK are neurodivergent, and it’s only with continued informed awareness that
we can begin to breakdown the stigma associated; “we want to empower a change of mindset by celebrating individuals with neurodivergent conditions who think differently through the mirroring of plant and human diversity.”
The garden’s message is to show how plants, like humans, do not always do what is expected of them. But, in doing so, often offer more than if they conformed
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This year’s RHS Chelsea is showcasing the innovations in science and technology that are benefitting horticulture, explains Clare Matterson
High -tech HORTICULTURE
RHS Chelsea Flower Show is almost upon us – the greatest celebration of horticultural excellence featuring many horticultural professions coming together to create the greatest show on earth. Underpinning all these professions is vital research that supports innovation and sustainability to secure the long-term future of gardening. At this year’s Chelsea, we will showcase and celebrate some of the most exciting projects where horticulture intersects with science and technology.
In a new GreenSTEM exhibition, within the show’s Great Pavilion, exhibition visitors can discover innovative solutions to guide and support gardeners into the future and explore how science is improving and commercialising horticulture.
Inspired by a recent outbreak of Colorado beetle in the UK, Animal and Plant Health Agency’s exhibit will highlight the threat it poses to the potato industry. This multimedia experience will highlight how the beetle may attack plants, turning healthy potato crops into devastated fields. Visitors will learn about traditional and technologically advanced pest-spotting approaches that enable rapid detection, identification and mapping of the beetle.
Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge’s ‘Blooming Numbers’ will demonstrate how mathematics is helping us unlock the mysteries
of the plant world. Cutting-edge tools like computational modelling, machine learning, biosensors and experimental design are transforming the way we study plants. Visitors will be able to use a scanning electron microscope to take stunning images of flower structures, view the hidden UV patterns on petals that bees see, discover how plants move without muscles, find out about new research to build a 4D flower, watch how plants dynamically respond to their environments at the cellular level and explore why plants that share the same genes differ so much from each other.
By altering the light spectrum, solar technology not only enhances plant production but also generates sustainable energy
‘Agrivoltaics and solar power in horticulture’ by Polysolar UK explores how polysolar technology is revolutionising plant-growing, both at home and commercially. By altering the light spectrum, solar technology not only enhances plant production but also generates sustainable energy. Visitors to this exhibit will experience a domestic greenhouse, a commercial polytunnel, interactive exhibits, research displays and a variety of plants currently grown commercially using this innovative technology.
Grow Ltd offers visitors a glimpse into the future of sustainable farming with its exhibit ‘Advanced Aeroponics: Growing Plants with Sound by LettUs’. A full-scale aeroponic growing
system will demonstrate the company's patentpending advanced aeroponic technology while a small cut-away version will allow visitors to see healthy root structures up close. The exhibit emphasises the potential of aeroponics to reduce water and peat consumption in commercial horticulture and food crop production and showcases the elimination of peat-based substrates. Designed to recognise leading sustainable practices, judges Deborah Meaden, professor Chris Harrop OBE and Andree Davies will present the new Sustainable Excellence Awards, which this year has expanded to include Sustainable Lifestyle Product of the Year and Sustainable Business of the Year alongside the longstanding Sustainable Garden Product of the Year. I hope to see you at Chelsea to be inspired by the
Clare Matterson CBE is the director general of the RHS. She was previously executive director of engagement at the Natural History Museum and spent 17 years with the Wellcome Trust leading its work in engagement, education, policy and strategy. Matterson was awarded a CBE for services to public engagement and a Fellowship to the British Science Association for outstanding contributions to public engagement and was named on GQ's Most Connected Women in Britain in 2015. rhs.org.uk
CLARE MATTERSON
Seasonal SHIFT
Is our approach to seasons too simplified, wonders Andrew Duff
MSGLD
Seasonality is a word deeply embedded in our design process, but what does it really mean? We are led to believe that a garden awakens in spring, flourishes through summer, begins to wind down in autumn, and finally succumbs to a long, dormant sleep through winter. This linear, almost rigid structure defines the garden year, with a substantial portion of it seemingly lifeless and inactive. But is this truly accurate? Or is it simply a construct that limits our understanding and appreciation of nature’s subtleties?
It’s easy to fall into this trap. The media and social platforms we engage with constantly reinforce these conventional ideas about the seasons. Rarely do we see a garden showcased in the depths of winter unless it is adorned with the picturesque sharpness of frost or softened under a pristine layer of snow. The imagery we are presented with is overwhelmingly aspirational: verdant green lawns, bright cloudless blue skies, and flawless blooms at their peak. These curated visuals create a distorted reality where only the vibrant, lush scenes are valued. As designers, this makes managing a client’s expectations for a truly seasonal garden a significant challenge. How can we encourage them to appreciate the beauty of a garden when it is not performing at its conventional best?
these colder months; it simply transforms. Why, then, do we persist in viewing winter as a dull and unproductive void?
Furthermore, with the undeniable shifts brought about by climate change, the definition of the four seasons has become increasingly blurred. Transitional periods stretch longer, overlap, or sometimes become indistinguishable. We are trying to fit a changing world into a rigid framework that may no longer apply. When I consider other cultural approaches to seasonality, I find inspiration and a fresh perspective.
The natural world doesn’t cease to exist or even pause during these colder months; it simply transforms
Winter, in particular, is a season that is often dismissed or even dreaded. But why don’t we celebrate winter for what it truly is? Not just the occasional frost-dusted landscape or snow-covered spectacle, but the real winter – Britain’s damp, grey skies, soggy soil, bare branches, and all the elements we are so quick to grumble about. The natural world doesn’t cease to exist or even pause during
In Japan, for example, the year is divided into 72 distinct seasons. Yes, 72 – each one only lasting around five days. Suddenly, our blunt, four-season model seems flat and unimaginative.
The Japanese micro-seasons acknowledge nuances we often overlook. Included in their calendar are seasons like “Hawks learn to fly” (17–22 July), “Heat starts to die down” (28 August – 1 September), and “Pheasants start to call” (15 – 19 January). How beautiful is that? These poetic descriptors encourage a deeper connection with the natural world, celebrating the gradual transitions and small but significant moments of change that we often ignore.
Are we missing the point by simplifying our ever-changing year to just four broad categories? By adhering to this conventional structure, are we losing out on the richness and complexity of the world around us? Perhaps we are.
We are all busy, perpetually seeking ways to streamline our lives and design processes. But maybe by slowing down, looking deeper, and recognising the subtle yet integral changes that make up our seasons, we can create gardens that better reflect these shifts. And perhaps, in doing so, we can begin to find joy in the grey skies, the barren soil, and the quiet beauty of a season that deserves to be celebrated for what it is.
The garden never truly sleeps. It breathes, shifts, and transforms, even when the world appears dull and dormant. It’s time to rethink our approach to seasonality, to challenge the conventional, and to embrace the nuances that make each moment unique.
ANDREW DUFF
An internationally recognised garden designer, Andrew Duff MSGLD has been designing gardens for over 30 years. In addition to running his practice, he is managing director of the world renowned Inchbald School of Design and is Chair of the Society of Garden + Landscape Designers. sgld.org.uk
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In a FLUTTER
Lewis Normand considers how carbon credits could help to reverse the decline in butterfly populations
There is much debate as to whether or not we are in the midst of one of the planet’s great (monumental, not good) extinction events. We think of the dinosaurs’ extinction as one of a few that had a global impact, but in reality, there have been at least 25 and probably over 30 of these events over time, with the greater majority of these being before the dinosaurs even evolved.
The difference between the potential extinction event we are either in the midst of – or rapidly heading towards – is that it is only the second one caused by animal life directly impacting animal life. You have likely already put the pieces together and worked out that, on both occasions, humans were the animals causing extinction on either side of the last Ice Age.
The current extinction event is known as the Holocene Extinction, with the Holocene being the geological time period
we are living in, which started around 11,000 years ago when the ice melted. What a tragic accolade it is to have been part of two mass extinction events and, worse still, that we are in one now, knowing that we are the cause, without also being immediately shamed into being the solution.
Last week, I read that one in five Butterfly species in the US has now gone locally extinct with a 22% decline in numbers between 2000 and 2020, according to an extensive research project published in Science magazine. That is a bleak picture indeed, with the majority of the reason being the same old trio of problems for wildlife: habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use. A similar picture is true elsewhere in the world, with the UK’s 57 butterfly species experiencing an 80% decline since the 1970s, according to the Butterfly Conservation’s State of the UK's Butterflies 2022 report. We must look to opportunities to save our dwindling wildlife.
Dunfermline, where it is still a hugely popular public park and gardens. Carnegie’s money is still supporting learners financially through the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland and other trusts in the UK and the US.
This is how we overcome ever strained local authority budgets, by using carbon offsetting to fund the creation and rejuvenation of green spaces in local communities for the benefit of these communities. Micro credits are the way forward in a world where we are all becoming increasingly accountable for our carbon footprint.
What a tragic accolade it is to have been part of two mass extinction events and, worse still, that we are in one now, knowing that we are the cause
We should also be very focused with specific improvements designed to support equally specific situations. Take butterflies, for example; we could and indeed should be developing planting and habitats to specifically counteract population decline of butterfly species. The same can be true of bees, red squirrels, sand snakes, hazel dormice and any other animal species being squeezed out of existence.
Last month, I advocated for increased local use of carbon credit schemes with specific focus on smaller, even micro-projects. I have been thinking a lot since writing that piece and the more I consider it, the more I see the benefit in smaller carbon credit values being used to improve myriad spaces and inject life into councilrun and underfunded projects. This is an indirect version of the classic 17th and 18th century industrial philanthropy, where wealthy business owners build social housing, or created public parks and buildings for the benefit of their local community.
An example of note would be from Andrew Carnegie, who as well as the Carnegie Hall in New York and countless other buildings, bought Pittencrieff Park in his hometown of Dunfermline and gifted it to the people of
Let’s not simply focus on rewilding but also look to cultivate spaces into habitats supporting plants and wildlife. Endless tree planting is probably good, but without a plan of what to plant to respond to the certainty of global temperature rises, much of it will likely be useless long-term. We need a multi-pronged and strategic approach to our plant and animal habitat creation.
Lewis Normand has worked in a wide variety of roles within horticulture over a 20-year career. He has lectured on garden design and horticulture, and designed gardens in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Since 2011, he has focused on nursery sales, now working as sales manager at Bernhard’s Nurseries, and has helped to launch a number of new plants into the UK plant market. He is a specialist supplier to show gardens, supplying more than 100 gardens at major shows.
LEWIS NORMAND
INTERVIEWS Little
Arboriculturist and founder of G. Trott Tree Consultancy gtrotttreeconsultancy.co.uk
If you could work anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I'd be quite interested to work in Japan, they have some interesting and almost historic techniques and methodologies which would be really cool to learn.
What’s one piece of advice you wish to share?
Just go with your gut. If you really want to do something or something really grabs your attention, clearly that means there's a degree of passion there for it, even if you haven't realised it yet.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? It’s always been if I wanted to do something, I'll just go and do it. I haven't sat there and thought ‘oh, I wish I could do what they do’.
What is your favourite plant, or in your case tree? I really like Ginkgo trees because they are the perfect example, in my opinion, of resilience and adapting to the environment.
Go to motivational song? Through the Fire and Flames by DragonForce
Head of wildflower at John Chambers Wildflowers Johnchamberswildflowers.co.uk
If you could work anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A nice vineyard in Italy, that'd be perfect. Specifically, the Tuscan Hills – it would be idyllic but not very practical.
One thing that would make the industry better? As an industry, we need to speak more about improving inclusion for women and how we can make it more equal.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? Is it cheesy if I say my mum? She is my biggest inspiration –both my parents really, they both worked hard to get where they are.
What is your favourite plant or tree?
There are so many! I really like passion flowers; they’re like nothing I’ve seen before.
Go to motivational song? Good as Hell by Lizzo
Garden designer and founder of Aylett Studio ashleighaylett.co.uk/about
If you could design a garden anywhere in the world, where would it be? It would definitely be here in the UK. I love the changing seasons – the unpredictable weather might not be for everyone, but I think it makes gardens all the more exciting.
One thing that would make the industry better? I'd love to see more support for UK nurseries and a stronger focus on growing plants from seed, especially with rising issues from imported pests and diseases.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? My great-grandparents. They were commercial growers who specialised in cut flowers, living almost entirely off their land. Their connection to growing and the seasons has been a huge influence on me.
What is your favourite plant or tree? I have a real love for oak trees – there’s such grace in them. I only wish it was possible to use them at RHS Chelsea!
Go to motivational song? The Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks
