Vector Design at Chelsea Flower Show

To many landscape and garden designers, the Chelsea Flower Show is at the height of the industry calendar. The world famous flower show celebrated its 88th year at Chelsea and as expected, did not fail to host a spectacular display of gardens and a collection of world class landscape designers such as Andy Sturgeon. The show also attracts some of the most high profile of celebrities from Joanna Lumley to Jamie Oliver and is covered extensively by the BBC, broadcasting to over 2.7million viewers.

To be finally at The Chelsea Flower Show was fantastic, the mix of show, urban and courtyard gardens was amazing and the fact that they are built in just a matter of days is somewhat unbelievable. It was good to see that Yorkshire had been well represented with the Hesco Bastion Garden, designed by Leeds City Council, a representation of a pair of lock gates which truly appeared as if they had been there for years.

If I had to pick a favourite, I would have to say that I was picking two and they would be the L’Occitane Garden which was designed to imitate the hill sides of Provence. It was good to see this design going back to nature and with the rear of the garden built up to form the dramatic hillside, you truly did feel that you had been transported to this little outcrop, I think the sunshine helped also though.

The other design that I found myself talking about constantly was the Trailfinders and Flemings Nurseries Australian Garden which was designed with enjoyment as its primary focus. A lap pool, spa, wet bar and barbeque area all contributed to this garden’s laid back and relaxed style and with the lush tropical planting it is not hard to understand why this garden achieved a gold medal.

It is now past midnight and after a long drive, I am back at home to reflect on an excellent day, I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to put my handshake into practice though.