Chelsea Flower Show 2011 - Designers Diary

We've moved - new blog location

2012-01-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

for Chelsea 2012 Andy is blogging here:http://andymcindoe.blogspot.com/

Farewell to Planet Chelsea....................

2011-05-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Farewell to Planet Chelsea.....................
My last day at the show is always a happy but sad occasion. Something that has been so much a part of my life for the past few weeks, or was it months, is about to be left behind. At this stage I have an overwhelming desire to keep Chelsea and Feel Good about Gardening alive – but I know that next week when the next project emerges Chelsea 2011 will just drift away.

It’s been an interesting show – and as the dust settles some of those amusing moments come back to me. The meeting of two Royal parties in the middle of the exhibit on Monday night. What do you say when two Princes come face to face, and don’t expect to? Do you know each other? Can I introduce................? How many times did I get asked how we get the Monument into the Pavilion. I take that as a compliment – at least it looks part of the exhibit. The torrent of water flowing through the Pavilion on Thursday evening and that wonderful Dunkirk spirit of the Brits wading around in Chelsea awash.

Friday started with a riotous train journey to London with three lively ladies I met at the station on their way to the show. The conversation hopped from French gites, to cup cakes, to ‘Made in Chelsea’, B&Q bedding, the St Cross Summer Fete and a dead purple clematis. This is the garden cognoscenti and they are ebullient form planning their hit list for the day. Needless to say a little garden retail therapy lubricated with the odd glass of prosecco.

So has all the effort been worth it? We’ve had so many lovely comments and compliments throughout the week that I really believe that we achieved something special with this exhibit. Organicstone, M&M Timber, Jim Keeling and Tom Stogdon all helped us so much to achieve what we did. The team from Scotts Miracle Gro, our Chelsea partners have worked with us and are now very much a part of the Hillier Chelsea family. They’ve recorded countless video clips, and certainly the Chelsea visitors have been very willing to tell them what makes them feel good about gardening. Visit www.lovethegarden.com to find out.

The plant material has held up brilliantly and the exhibit looks almost as good on Friday as it did on Monday. Some things, such as the deciduous azaleas have got second wind, enjoying the cool weather and relieved to be far away from the cold store. Their next stop is the Chelsea sale at Sunningdale on Sunday morning – then hopefully on to someone’s garden - a real garden.
There is always too much to cram into my last few hours on site – visitors, goodbyes to fellow exhibitors, making breakdown arrangements. That’s the worst bit – arranging for the garden to be raised to the ground – but go it must and so must I. I always leave later than intended – I forget that visitors are arriving as I am leaving. I finally tear myself away and dive into the tube – Planet Chelsea fades into the distance....................

What am I doing next year? – Well, you’ll have to wait and see.

Shrubs are the new herbaceous...........

2011-05-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

The word at Chelsea, and hopefully throughout the gardening world, is that “shrubs are the new herbaceous”. Wispy grasses and fragile flowering perennials are making way for bony, leafy structure. Interestingly in the past few years as Chelsea Show Garden structures have got heavier, the planting has got lighter and fluffier – a low haze punctuated by alliums, bearded irises and spiky yuccas and dasilyrions.
Flowering dogwoods with their creamy butterfly bracts have spread from the Hillier exhibit through the showgardens that surround the pavilion – a welcome relief from the walls of hornbeam that have provided the main structure in recent years. Maybe they will be followed by a broad palette of woody plants over the next couple of years. I understand why perennials have been at the forefront of the garden catwalk. They grow quickly, and as a designer you have a good idea of available height and spread. Larger shrubs take years to produce so it’s harder to change the trend. If your design depends on large philadelphus in flower – and they fail to perform- what do you do?
I’ve always been a shrubby myself and its reassuring when Chelsea visitors come onto our exhibit and comment that ‘it’s nice to see some shrubs after all those perennials’. I also think that gardeners are recognising the value of good garden basics which work rather than those new flash-in-the-pan plants which might – or might not. Let’s get away from plant snobbery – plants become “common” because they succeed in a variety of situations. On the other hand some plants are good in a garden, but struggle in pots. You’ll rarely see these at Chelsea or in garden centres so look out for them in real gardens and seek them out.
It seems my shrubs course which is part of the on line www.my-garden-school.com programme is rather timely. See you in class and find out ways of using, cultivating those shrubs which provide us with flowers, foliage and structure throughout the year. I wonder what some of these Chelsea herbaceousy gardens would look like in winter?
For that matter I wonder what they will look like for the last two days of the show. Today, Thursday has been cold and showery. Showery that is until around four o’clock when the heavens opened. Thunder, lightening, gusts of wind. Never seen anything like it. After two hours and several attempts to escape I left the Pavilion with a river flowing through the centre, and water pouring from fallen downpipes. Don’t think my Panama will ever be the same again, and I can feel my suit shrinking as it dries out on the train.

Almost back to normal - a more serious note.

2011-05-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Almost back to normal. Left the show on Tuesday afternoon and headed for home. It is difficult getting away as more visitors arrive, including many familiar faces, for the last few hours of the day. In some ways it seems crazy heading back to Hampshire only to return tomorrow – but the incentive of a night in my own bed and a look at the garden is overwhelming.

It’s great to be home for a few hours and my wife and I take a tour of the garden with a glass of wine in hand. The grass has grown, as it always does, but maybe not as quickly because of the dry weather. A sprinkling of rain has brought the flowers on in the meadow – the orchids are popping up with their pale lilac spikes amongst the clover, buttercups and vetches. I don’t think there are as many this year, certainly not as many early purple orchids – they did not like the dry spring.

The cooler weather has started to even the season out a little. The Cornus kousa and Cornus ‘Porlock’ are loaded in blooms again and will be at their peak in about a week – not far off last year. The perennials are just starting to happen and roses opening. The spring might have been incredibly early but now things are getting back to normal.

Away from the show I think all exhibitors reflect on the activity that has consumed their lives for the past few weeks or days. During staging the Chelsea showpeople establish their village community. Although we are all there for media attention it is easy to resent the invasion of press and cameras when their focus is not upon what you want to talk about.

I have become more resigned to the fact that the outside gardens get far more attention than the Pavilion. However I still resent the fact that the Designers and Sponsors of the outside gardens are considered suitable to speak about their own exhibits on camera at the show, while the inside exhibits are often presented by well-meaning presenters who haven’t a clue what they are looking at. I find this approach insensitive and arrogant. Matters are made worse if you are asked to be on your exhibit at a certain time for filming only to discover that all you are required to do is stand by and watch another agonising and excruciating performance. But as one producer told me –“That’s television” – hmm.. That makes me feel much better!
Because those involved in the show are on such a high there has to be a downside – and if a little media aggravation is it, then it’s a small price to pay for the warm reception we get from the show visitors. I never tire of meeting them and talking plants and gardens. Jim Keeling spent Monday and Tuesday on the exhibit alongside his sculpture and really enjoyed talking plants – I think I’ve got him hooked!

And now it’s on with the show – and more chance to enjoy the company of friends old and new amongst the exhibitors, visitors and the RHS Chelsea Show Team. Haven’t said much about them to date. They really are brilliant and balance everyone’s needs and points of view.

2011-05-25T01:55:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the Chelsea Live pages from our website.

66th Consecutive Gold Medal.............

2011-05-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday evening - The past 48 hours is all a bit of a blur. This morning we recieved our 66th consecutive Gold Medal at Chelsea Flower Show. Texts pour in from members of the team and friends who follow our progress - all delighted and relieved.

Yesterday disappeared - lots of waiting around but time passed quickly through press day, Royal visit, Gala, and dinner at the Ivy. Beyond tiredness by the time we reached dinner but cannot say I had a second wind.

Slept late - Rick Mark, Graham and Elenor went in early to open up shop with the manning team today has been a fun day - Lots of old friends and plenty of plant interest. Comments amazing as ever - It never ceases to amaze me how supportive and interested our gardening friends are. Thanks to all for making it happen - Now its time for bed but will tell you more in a day or two.

66th Consecutive Chelsea Gold

2011-05-24T02:21:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to announce that we have been awarded our 66th Chelsea Gold Medal this morning. More later, but you can read the press release here

Tone up Trail

2011-05-23T02:26:00.000-07:00

With the exhibit pretty much finished yesterday afternoon, we had some time to try out the exercise equipment. Here's my very first exercise video... I think I'll stick to the day job, and i'm sure you will agree. However being on the deck garden was a very pleasant experience and I must say I would enjoy having a space like this in my own garden. The M&M coolfit Pavilion is a wonderfully airy structure which gives the impression of protection without cutting blocking any of the vistas and you still feel very much part of the garden.

I think if I had an exercise space like this I would use it rather than going to the gym. Although you lose the social aspect of going to an exercise venue it is convenient, you can enjoy the open air and the changing seasons and there is so much to look at.

Finished...

2011-05-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

Well I think so, it is nearly 4pm and I am sure that's almost it. The signage is being put in place, the edges are being repainted, and I just heard Steve assure Cindy, that "that is the last label". Press Day tomorrow, and judging, ready for the results on Tuesday morning. I would love to know what you think; what makes you feel good about the exhibit. Let me know..

Early Start..

2011-05-22T01:06:00.001-07:00

Up and out early this morning, for some filming with the BBC on the exhibit; that went well, and we're now into the home stretch. Paul, the electrician has been working all night to complete the lighting that really highlights the plant material, with spotlights and uplighters.

Theres still lots to do this morning - sweeping and clearing the paths, finishing the lighting, and completing the final planting in a couple of areas.

The team have worked really well together and i think our team photo, taken yesterday, really does them justice.

Must get on, lots still do....

Feelgood Factor

2011-05-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

The teams made excellent progress this afternoon. Nigel and Neil seem in relaxed mood as the exhibit really takes shape. These guys work flat out during initial construction and staging. As the staging teams take plants from around the exhibit there are trolleys to move and break down, materials to shift and the finishing touches to make to the hard landscaping. This needs plenty of discipline and organisation and Nigel and Neil make it happen.

Here are a couple of videos to keep you up to date with progress.

the Feelgood Factor Garden.

and "Core Values"

Indulgence...the finishing touches

2011-05-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

The indulgence garden is complete, and to bring it to life all it needs is those little accessories that personalise any garden. If you like what you see log onto our online shop (http://www.hillieronline.co.uk/) and you will be able to buy (almost) everything you see in this video

Saturday lunchtime; unveiling the Golden Cypress

2011-05-21T04:40:00.000-07:00

Jim Keelings Golden Cypress sculpture looks fantastic now its in place, and we unveiled it a few moments ago. As the wrapping came off the sculpture was transformed as the afternoon sun lights up the gold leaf.

We are now working on completing the planting around the monument and putting the finishing touches to the yellow planting under the lime avenue. There already seems to be plenty of media interest around the show; one of the storylines is highlighting the most extravagant displays at Chelsea.

With our magnificent golden centrepiece I think we may hold a winning card. At this stage the paving is still covered with polythene, bags of bark and plants that havn't found their way into the exhibit yet, but as soon as we finish filling all the gaps with bark, tucking in a few ivies and ferns around the edges, the polythene will come up and organic stone's salvation paving will see the light of day. I know that this is the moment when the exhibit really comes to life.

Without the clutter around and through the centre of the exhibit the finished product will look double the size and we will really be able to see the full effects of the planting. You can see some larger photos of the finished areas on our website here

What a wonderful place to be

2011-05-21T02:42:00.000-07:00

Chelsea, the weekend before the Show opens is full of excitement. As well as the fabulous plants and gardens there are the remarkable people creating the show that over 200,000 people will visit next week and millions more will see on television and in magazines for months to come.

The job of those on site is to rise to the challenge of entertaining, inspiring and informing the public and they seem to relish it.

Once inside the Great Pavilion, the Monument is hard to see behind the impressive mature trees that Hillier is so well known for. The largest of these amazing trees in 2,000 litre containers. This year, Hillier Nurseries also have an exhibit outside to display Hillier trees and celebrate our being voted International Nursery of the Year in 2010.

On the exhibit Pip has been joined by husband Dave for the weekend. Together they are putting the finishing touches to the Core Values garden.

Fiona is stating on the hard work of barking up the exhibit. Tons of bark are used to cover pots. It makes the exhibit look more natural and just like mulching your garden at home, it will help retain water and keep roots cool if we have hot weather next week.

Lucy is pruning before staging. So much easier to tidy them up before they are stuck at the back of a border. Come judging, every plant is expected to look its best or we could so easily miss out on a coveted Gold Medal. Everyone has to be careful around the show. Can you imagine how terrible it would be to damage irreplaceable plants just before they are needed!

By the weekend there are over 20 people staging on the exhibit. Things are going well and some areas are starting to near completion. Time for a short break and recharge before the final push!

The Power of Yellow Planting...................

2011-05-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Now that the planting is in place around the deck the power of yellow is clear - it certainly makes an impact and has the effect I had in mind. whether you like yellow in the garden or not there is no denying that its an attention grabber. The theory is that it raises your metabolic rate - do I feel that - I'm not sure but I do find it uplifting.

Gary, Lucy, Emily and David (with us for the day from Wisley) have been working on the planting in this part of the exhibit. They have sneaked in a little copper and purple foliage which I have to admit only intensifies the surrounding yellow and helps it to link with the planting behind on the Monument. Ricky managed to come up with three light, lovely Robinia 'Frisia' in flower - these are great at extending the yellow theme vertically.

Gary tried out the tone up trail - looked a little nervous on the balancing logs if you ask me.

Rick has been working with John and Fiona on the Tone up trail and planting along the stream . This is bound to be a crowd pleaser with its foxgloves, rhododendrons, ferns and hostas punctuated with dainty aquilegias - hope to show you more of that tomorrow.

And the video.....................

Taking shape!

2011-05-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Its Friday - Its five to five and its....taking shape! Today the whole exhibit is really coming together and looking like the series of gardens I envisaged. Emily and Lucy planted up some of the pots this morning - phormiums, heucheras and yuccas in the yellow scheme and chamaerops, variegated mint and thyme for the blue and silver garden. These containers really start to give a garden the finished look.

I gave Nigel a little instruction on the sit up bench and he soon found another use for it by taking a nap under the Union Jack.

Steve cracked on with the labelling - he makes lists and hands them to Cindy who hand writes all the labels each year. She has a superb hand and personally I think our hand written labels - around 750 of them.

I think the team are really getting into the planting detail now.
Its amazing when they start using some light height in the foreground how the pace appears to grow. Finding the right plants is like finding the missing bits of a jigsaw puzzle - as they fall into place the incentive to find the final pieces become greater.
Some parts of the exhibit are already looking so good I feel quite emotional about it - just hope we can maintain the standard to achieve that final polish.

And now the video.........................

ts video time.....................

2011-05-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

To give you a bit more of an idea of how things are looking Nigel and I shot a few short videos this afternoon - This is where the fun really starts as the exhibit takes shape.

In all the excitement as Thursday draws to a close its easy to take your foot off the gas. In some areas it feels as if the planting areas are filling fast - however I know the exhibit will still take a lot more plants to complete the look.
For some larger show plants the party is already over - we don't need hem and they are heading for home - sorry guys - maybe next year.
Because we are trying to reate specific looks in ifferent areas of the exhibit its easy for theteam to get distracted by smaller plants that fit into their particular scheme - this can mean they forget to get those big structure plants in place first. Interesting - because that's what goes wrong with most real gardens. I escaped at lunchtime for a meeting over lunch at The Chelsea Physic Garden - cut quite a ash in my High Viz vest amongst all those elegant garden goers. Lovely vases of sweet peas on the tables.
anyway enough said - here's the first video - Core values

Tried out my exercise deck....

And the Garden of Contemplation.......

a little indulgence.....................

share the Feelgood Factor....

Chelsea - Get the Look

2011-05-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

The plants are rolling in today, as trolley upon trolley wends its way up the M3 from Hampshire, and the staging team are all hard at work. (If you want to see their happy smiling faces have a look here...)

Weve already given some thought to some of the planting combinations we will use in-situ, so here's a sneak preview of what we will use. For pictures of the combinations of plants on the actual exhibit, well...you'll have to wait a bit longer:

Lavender Papillon combined with Astelia banksii, and convolvulus cneorum in "Core Values"

Viburnum plicatum "Mariesii", with Cornus contraversa 'variegata' and Viburnum Davidii in the Garden of Contemplation

For that bit of Indulgence, how about Heuchera 'Peach Flambe', Physocarpus 'Diable d'or' and Rose 'Munstead Wood'

You can see a few more combinations, and pictures when we get 'em...here - go on "Get the Look"

2011-05-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Wednesday - our first day on site staging plants. This always seems a slow day - lots of big heay plants move into position. I am alwaysreluctant to make final deisions at first - "We'll move it later" seems like a good idea - but I really know it isn't. This year the space is more fragmented by the hard landscaping features. This makes itmore interesting but more challenging. The hardlandscaping team Neil, Nigel, Pete and steve have done a great job getting the hardlandscaping finished by tuesday evening - this makes our job so much easier when the plants arrive. We are all very grateful for the immense help we've had from the lads from M&M and organicstone.

Three lorries of plants from glasshouse and cold store arrive during the course of the morning. This puts the pressure on to get as many of the biggest shrubs and trees into position as quickly as possible - otherwise we will simply run out of space!

Tom and Rebecca arrive with Tom's fantastic slate sculpture - this is assembled on site as the centrepiece of Core Valus - it works! Neil, Raf and Jose concentrate on stream construction. We need to get the liner in place and the stream filled with water before we leave - If not the chelsea fox pays us a visit and will often shred the liner in the night
No kidding - one he stole my space hopper! More later

Tuesday afternoon update ...................

2011-05-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Well its all quiet from London - so I presume all goes well! Spoke to Neil early this morning and khe seemed happy. We had a bit of a puzzle over levels - the transition beteeen the pathway and the paving in the Feelgood Factor garden. This is not unusual because we cannot dig into the ground and change the levels - at this point anyway we are building over a roadway. I know that the lads will sort it out anyway - we have to be adaptable and its no good going into this project with a fixed idea.

Nigel sent some pics through - the pink Rosalie Pavilion lookd great - although I don't remember it having a brick red roof - ouch! I'm sure we'll manage to make it work with a good dollop of purple foliage!

The large slabs being used for the Feelgood Factor garden are one of Brian's creations for organicstone - these look really amazing and will be a great contrast to the random smaller sizes which make up the pathway. Its hard to believe this wonderful flooring is largely made from recycled materials!

I'll touch base with the team later and then of course I'll see it all for myself tomorrow morning - can't wait!

Out from the cold..........

2011-05-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday afternoon - and a grey and chilly one it is too. We had our Chelsea team briefing this morning - everyone is very excited - especially those with a 5.30 start tomorrow morning! Essential supplies have been loaded onto the minibus - along with our giant Union Jack - more about that later.
Just been down to the cold store - Rick and the team are loading the third and last lorry of the day - the first from the cold store. Large cherry trees, big viburnums, cornus and lilacs are stacked in with some smaller plants: ceanothus, azaleas and the prized sinocalycalycanthus.
This is a chilling job working inbetween a fridge and a larry. The cool conditions are in our favour today - but what will the coming week bring? Plants are dry from the aircirculation fans in the coldstore so most are watered before loading - we'll give them a good soak when they are unloaded tomorrow.

Here's a short video showing plants moving out from the cold............

Before we left for London - one that got away!

2011-05-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

This is one that got away - it's now a bit out of date but I thought I would publish it anyway - Tells you a bit about the loading and the plants - Andy

Nigel has spent the morning packing up ready for an early dearture tomorrow. The lorry is just about loaded and everyone seems to be in remarkably relaxed mode. I caught up with Nigel to see if he'd got everything - Cement mixer, wheelbarrows, hosepipes, tool kit, flat trucks and the good old plastic chairs - what are they for?

In the meantime Mark and I have been updating the plant list. This year this will be available via the Shoot website - This means that you can access descriptions of the plants and in most cases pictures that wil act as a useful reminder of what you saw and liked at the show - or on the Chelsea live website. You will also be able to order the plants then and there from our online shop.

Just another Magic Monday

2011-05-16T10:51:00.001-07:00

The team have had another good day on site. The lads from M&M Timber have done a fantastic job with the buildings and decking, and have even got some of the timber edging in place. The Rosalie Pavilion is now being painted - a delicious marshmallow shade called Sweet Pea - not proving a favourite with all members of the team but I think it will work once the lilacs, roses, red-leaved acers and silver elaeagnus move in I think its going to look quite delicious!

The blockwaork of the stream is in place. This could be the highlight if we get the planting to work. Its long, its graceful and I think it offers great opportunity to create a wonderful perspective. The staging team need to work a little magic. Those magical foxgloves will certainly come into their own drifting through this lot.

Positioning the pull-up bars is proving a challenge and we may have to drop them. This would be a pity because M&M have done a great job making them and Sue found some lovely rope to bind the bars. We'll still have a bit of fun with them during staging anyway - maybe I can find someone else's garden to stage them in?

Nigel's produced another video for you and these are a couple of his pics from today - not a bad effort - I'll make a media luvvie of him yet!

It has been brilliant keeping up with the lads and their progress on Skype. Back in the good old days (God I sound old!) before mobiles we used to have to queue for one of 3 phones in a cubby hole outside the Pavilion - sometimes they worked and sometimes they didn't. I remember doing my first Radio Solent report from one of them 20+ years ago.

Placing the large Trees

2011-05-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Only just managed to get this video up on the blog - but thought you would like to see it anyway. This is back to Saturday morning - the arrival of the big trees on site. These are from our Broadmead Nursery where we grow trees in containers from 45litre (that's 3 times the size of your average garden centre tree) up to 2000 litres - that's a tree! On the exhibit we use tress up to 1000 litres. The large Acer platanoides 'Emerald Queen' is in a 1,000 litre container. a tree of this size is quite a challenge to handle at the show. The forklift can move the rootball - but the top of the tree weighs as much!

The Two cut leaved Beech that flank the Golden Cypress sculpture are in 600 litre containers - these will need moving slightly and that will be a manpower job on Wednesday. - Something for the team to look forward to!

Sunday evening update ..................

2011-05-15T11:27:00.001-07:00

All seems to be progressing well in London. Just chatted with Neil on Skype, and Nigel gave me a video tour on same earlier. Buildings well under way, paving progresssing well - skeleton of store in place. Neil reckons they are a little ahead of schedule -but its surprising how long that stream and the edging will take. I would really love to have most of that edging done by the time we start staging. Spoke to Chris and told him we do not need to go up and help build tomorrow - relieved but disappointed, if that makes sense.

I did Radio Solent at lunchtime -good fun as ever - rest of day in garden. Although its frustrating in some ways that everything is so early, I do feel at least I've seen it this year. Cornus 'Satomi' looks ravishing and first orchids out in the meadow - please slow down or there will be nothing for my visitors in June.

I do feel this year as if I've had some of May - If there is a major downer from doing Chelsea its being robbed of the month of May in a real garden - but I suppose you can't have it all!

Here's Nigel's video .......................

The building progresses..................

2011-05-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

Well Saturday seemed to go well. The big trees arrived and were moved into position with the help of Ben. They arrived along with other trees for other exhibits which all have to be sorted, watered and either delivered or held until other exhibitors arrive on site.

The paving progresses well, however at this stage it often seems that things are moving quickly but then time slips away. I catch up with progresss with Nigel on Skype - technology has made things so much easier over the years. At one time we would have been struggling with a land line with little idea of what was going on in reality.

The sculpture arrives as planned around 1p.m. The base is a bit bigger than we thought but the lads extend the bases before putting it into place. The outer casing has already been removed when I speak to them I can tell they can't wait to take a peak. Here's a short video of the start of building yesterday. - More later.

First day on site

2011-05-14T00:24:00.000-07:00

Well its the first day on site - Friday 13th May! Neil, Nigel Pete and Steve arrive early ready to meet the lorry loaded the previous day. Forklift arrives and materials such as blocks, sand, cement and ballast await on site. Brian and the lads from organicstone arrive with all the paving. The first thing to do is to cover the site with black polythene and mark out the plan - path first.

I arrive late morning and the paving boys are already laying out a dry run of slabs to work out the laying pattern - this makes it easier for Pete and Steve as the path goes down.

We mark out the rest of the plan - this is where you have to adaptable on site. Because of the legs of the pavilion, inspection hatches, water points and other obstacles the path of the stream has to change - so does the route of the path. Think I may have tried to put too much in the space -time will tell. Of course the other problem is I'm not sure the liners will be long enough for the new route - fingers crossed!

I mark out the positions of the trees for Saturday morning. Nigel starts the mixer and Pete and Steve get the ramps down to make access easier for Saturday morning. The first slabs go down soon after 2 p.m.

Outside around the show site things are busy and congested. As gardens become more ambitious the machinery gets bigger. A lorry is pouring concrete into a pit outside the pavilion - one of the gardens. The foundations look big enough for a tower block. A crane blocks the corner - the main access to the route around the pavilion. At this stage it is hard to imagine how the chaos will ever become order - but it always does - somehow!

Here's what it looks like on video.......................................

Follow and win........

2011-05-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Just been looking at some of the Chelsea Show Plants - more about those tomorrow - but tonight I thought we'd have a bit of fun. Here's something special - We showed it last year but I know it will be a show stealer again this year. It you've been following you could win one - especially if I'm in generous mood in the morning..............So listen carefully and have a go. Andy

Ready for the off............

2011-05-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Its the evening before we load up ready for the trip to London to start work on site on Friday. Nigel has been running around collecting together the equipment: cement mixer, wheelbarrows, tools, pond liners and all the parephenalia needed to create the fabric of the garden. Some of the materials will be delivered direct to site - some will be waiting for us and others will arive over the weekend.

The list seems endless: 15 tons of paving, stone, gravel, 15 tons of sand, a ton of ballast, around 400+ concrete blocks, 150 metres of timber sleepers, timber buildings, a pile of decking boards, 10 tons of bark chips and boxes of straw bags and cut conifer foliage, 2 pallets of turf, pots, sculptures - and of course the kettle!

Sue and Graham have been busy painting furniture and Sue has been doing a great job collecting colourful accessories which will bring the garden to life. Its a mazing how a coat of summer damson can transform a simple timber patio set!

Did a bit of filming for South Today yesterday - Due out on Chelsea Monday 23rd.

More later.............................

Time for trees - with videos!

2011-05-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

So yesterday afternoon Ricky and I headed down to our Broadmead nursery to make our final tree selection. We make our first pick in October - its a good time to see the frame of deciduous trees and evergreens look great at that time. Of course you never quite know what spring will bring - sometimes some of the ones we choose just refuse to leaf up nicely - sometimes the winter takes its toll on the evergreens.
This year most of the deciduous trees are well in leaf - but that just makes the choice harder, Other subjects - ones I hadn't even thought of using just look ravishing, and they steal the places from those that thought they would be going to the show.
It was a lovely sunny afternoon and what better way to start the selection than a little kip in the sunshine....

We soon decided that the Norway maples were a distinct possibilityand a golden weeping cedar caught our eye....

The Magnolia grandiflora are not looking great after the winter. The two massive ones look really tired in comparison to the fresh green trees around them. Their boney frames do have wonderful maturity and perhaps if everything else wasn'yt looking so leafy and fresh we'd go with them. After a lot of indecision we agree to take one only and opt for two lovely, fluffy cut leaf beech instead.
The smaller Magnolia grandiflora look really weedy after all the big, beefy trees. They are just not going to make sufficient impact in front of the Monument with Jim's massive gold sculpture sitting at its feet. The limes look glorious in full leaf - I love the drooping branchlets and bright emerald green leaves of Tilia euchlora and we opt for 6 of those. They are really a little large for the space but I fancy the tunnel effect they will create - a bit like that wonderful lime avenue at Mount Stewart - but on a slightly smaller scale.

These big trees are heading for London on Saturday morning - we have to have them installed on the exhibit before the paving is laid. Chelsea 2011 will literally be built around them!
So thet've only got a couple of days left on their tree lines with drip irrigation - then its onto lorries - flatbeds covered in sheets to reduce damage - and off up the M3. They continue to be thirsty so daily watering in the Pavilion will be essential.

Plants for Chelsea - Preparation videos

2011-05-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well here's a couple more videos from yesterdays nursery visit. Cornus, foxgloves and acers - all looking pretty tasty to me!

Creamy cornus - my favourites

Flippant foxgloves - this year's teasers

Acer 'Marlo'

Andy's nursery visit videos

2011-05-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Just been down to visit the show plants. Here are a few video clips to show you how those show plants are doing!

Where have all the flowers gone?

Foliage - the foundation of good planting

In the fridge.............

more on new plants and Chelsea stars on the way.

The build up to build up...............

2011-05-09T02:29:00.000-07:00

Monday morning - we start on site on Friday. This week is all about lists - final preparations - chasing up materials, choosing trees and remembering all those things I've forgotten. Just spoken to Rick - he sounds happier. The cooler weather and weekend rain have freshened us all up. He says the foxgloves have even decided to perform - I'll go and have a look later. Every single rhododendron, azalea, viburnum and lilac is in the cold store. That's the first time ever! Joining them most of the roses. Those still in the glasshouse will just have to take their chances.

Nick Mann - Habitataid seems positive about the Meadow anywhere planters. They certainly looked very promising a couple of weeks ago so I'm hopeful they will perform in time for the show. Would be great to see visitors sitting amongst the poppies telling everyone what makes them Feel Good about Gardening.

Some of Sue's fitness accessories arrived this morning - will have to wait until later to see them. She's gone to Hamble to buy rope - no, things aren't that bad - just part of the story.

Heading off to pick Chelsea trees with Ricky this afternoon - more later!

It's a cool wind..............

2011-05-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

Quite a weekend - Only just got through Easter - then then Royal Wedding and another Bank Holiday Monday. Must say the weddding was fab - we do do it well don't we? Good gardening weekend, Sunday at Bishops Waltham Plant Fair - Fab do - lots of treasures!

Windy today - and dry - need rain!! If this keeps up lawns will be brown, new plants will struggle. Found gardenng a bit tiring - but that's how it goes. Same with Chelsea, but about to dive in - here we go again!

Blowing hot and cold.........

2011-04-29T07:47:00.001-07:00

We could have had Chelsea Flower Show a couple of weeks ago - the season is so precocious. This week I paid a visit to the cold store. After the heat of the Easter weekend the glasshouse where the show plants take shelter was looking seriously depleted as the flowering stock took refuge in the fridge. Thw warm weekend meant that Ricky spent mostt of it on the nursery - watering three 3 times a day and keeping careful watch over the Chelsea flock.

Rhododendrons in tight bud in the early hours of morning can be well in flower by midday. We can't get any more - so these must be held back for the show. The cold store is a large warehouse fridge - with hard, rather dreary lighting that helps the plants to keep their colour. Cherries in there since early February still think its winter, but will bloom within hours when brought out into the warm. Most plants like the azaleas and rhododendrons are put in when the flowers are opening. This seems to be the best stage for storage as Ricky has learnt over his many years doing the job.

The big challenge now is to find enough space for all the plants we need to hold back. Even a hundred roses are in the cold store - that's the first time I can remember doing that. Usually we are trying to coax them to produce buds in as much heat as possible.

The heat and reulting heavy growth means that some acers are losing colour. We need enough good foliage colour to hold the exhibit together. Also purple and yellow leaves soon lose colour in the Pavilion so it is important to start with as much colour as possible.

Ricky moves some of the Acers into a sheltered spot outside on Tuesday and we also decide to move out some of the herbaceous - things like Erysimums, thymes, santolinas and golden feverfew are also better out in the open at this stage - or so we think. Then of course on Wednesday night the temperatures drop big time - frost on the grass and on the car on Thursday morning is not a welcome sight - however we seemed to get away with it.

Royal Wedding day today and they promised rain. So far its dry, bright, cool and with that light drying wind that never did any garden any favours. What will the next two weeks bring? Who knows. For all those plants in cold storage it shouldn't make too much difference. Their challenge will come when they re-emerge into the outside world!

Flowers, fragrance and filming...........

2011-04-18T08:07:00.001-07:00

The wisteria is in full flower on the front of Ampfield House - Hillier Head Office. The front door is open and that deliciously sweet fragrance drifts in on the warm spring air - that's what I call real feel good air conditioning. A great start to the week - had the team here from The Scotts Miracle Gro Company - Paul, John, David and Sarah. Gill organised the day and we started filming clips for www.lovethegarden.com where Chelsea visitors will reveal what makes them Feel Good About Gardening. I kicked off the filming introducing the theme for the show - - horrified to see the picture Pip took of me - doesn't look as if I feel good about anything - I was just concentrating - honestly Pip talked about how she liked to use the garden as a place to relax after work and the importance of plants like Exochorda 'Niagra' to those with small gardens. Since the magazine went out to members this week sales of 'Niagra' have soared. The frothy white flowers are irresistibly appealing when the world seems to be full of glorious spring blossom. Down on the nursery we were lucky to catch up with Ricky for a Plantsman's insight into Chelsea and how preparations are going. the plants look terrific but they are certainly thirsty. The only plants refusing to play the game this year are the foxgloves. These look like cabbages - ridiculously healthy with lots of foliage but few signs of flowers. I am a bit disappointed in these as its the first time I've really planned to use them in a specific location. Oh well - that's just part of the joy of gardening. The azaleas and rhododendrons are showing colour - it seems even before your very eyes. As the weather is set warm more and more will move into the coldstore as each day passes. I'm never very keen on plants spending too long in the fridge. Although they gain a little eternal youth while they are in there they age pretty quickly when they come out. It's a bit like the tale told in that novel I spoke about last time!.

The Spark Ignites..............

2011-04-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

It's funny how things turn out. However unprepared I feel for Chelsea, and however vague some of my plans, suddenly something happens and inspiration arrives. This year it happened only yesterday. I had heard that my good friend Jim Keeling was up to something exciting with clay and gold leaf - and yesterday Sue at Whichford pottery e mailed me an image. It wasn't what I was expecting, but wow! - what a stunner.

It was described as a gilded Cypress - but it certainly not some fluffy conifer but a truly, stunning Van Gogh creation in 3D gold. Had I not been told it was a cypress what would I have seen? Energy, emotion, an Olympic flame, a flame of eternal life. My mind immediately wandered to the wonderful H. Ryder Haggard story 'She'. Some may remember the scene where She has bathes in the flames, deep in the mountains, and gained eternal youth. Now wouldn't that be a press story at the foot of the monument in the heart of the Hillier Chelsea exhibit?

Whatever a visitor sees, and wherever his or her mind wanders, this is going to be a focal point to surpass them all, and it fit beautifully with the whole Feel Good About Gardening theme. I could never have designed it as part of the garden - it just arrived and I know it will work. For me that's magic because that's often how real gardens evolve. You plant something with little thought as to location and what's around it and it just works. Another time to you make a very considered decision and have a clear idea of what it will look like and the reality is nothing like the vision. That's the magic of a garden!

Limbering up for Chelsea

2011-04-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

The sun has been shining all day, and those Chelsea plants are moving quickly. The Rhododendron 'Horizon Monarch' we looked at the other day are now showing lots of colour and the leaf canopy on the acers is thickening by the hour. I caught up with Ricky this morning - he seems on good form but is a bit concerned about the length of time that some plants will spend in the coldstore.

We also caught up with a few of the Chelsea staging team to take a few shot of us limbering up for Chelsea. Now's the time to get both the plants and the team in shape to ensure peak performance at the show! I have great confidence in both!

Managed to find time to capture a few images for my first lecture in the My Garden School Course - Shrubs - the foundation of good planting. (visit http://my-garden-school.com/shrubs )In this spring weather those spring flowering shrubs are really excelling themselves: ribes, spiraea, magnolia even potentillas and lilacs are blooming already. I hope this does not mean we'll have an earlier gap in the season this year.

Meant to get the nuts and bolts of the two ponds, steam and exercise trail nailed today but it hasn't happened yet. That warm sunshine is just too distracting - will have to get down to boring construction details next week otherwise I really am cutting it fine.

Hopefully the garden centres will have a bumper weekend - certainly the nursery has been operating beyond maximum capacity this week - working well into the night, and sometimes into the early hours of morning. Garden Centres everywhere are welcoming a sales boost after the dark days of winter and everyone is determined to make hay while the sun shines.

Things are Moving .......................

2011-04-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

The spring flowers are certainly bursting forth in the garden, and magnolias seem to have escaped frost damage so far this spring - despite a sub zero start to Monday morning.

My first tulips are out - I particularly like this vibrant Synaeda King, its glowing orange pointed blooms are glorious with rich blue hyacinths and that sparkly green and yellow Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle' . Despite the activity in the garden I've been struggling to get excited about Chelsea. So today I took a trip down to the nursery to take a look at some of the show plants.

Things are moving even faster than they are outdoors. Roses are showing buds, and even some of the rhododendrons which arrived at Brentry today ready for close scrutiny and cold storage if necessary are showing signs of colour. Horizon Monarch is always one of the first but one I really like to have for Chelsea with its soft clotted cream blooms and excellent olive-green foliage.

Some of the perennials, such as the aquilegias, Cynara cardunculus and Angelica gigas are incredibly well advanced, whereas the foxgloves are still leafy rosettes with little sign of spike. Cordylines, astelias and acers all look great and I am particularly pleased to see Acer palmatum 'Shaina' in leaf. This is a compact, upright form with slender lobes to the deep red leaves. I think this is going to be really popular for pots and containers.

Just from a quick look at the plants today I picked up a few ideas for colour combinations. I really liked the Cordyline 'Sundowner' with Astelia 'Westland' - That pink and pewter theme could be combined with the darker Acer 'Shaina' and the silver leaves af the cardoon - spike, sculptural, soft yet bold - Maybe, just maybe I'm starting to feel good about Chelsea. Watch this space - but in the meantime check out My Garden School. This is an exciting new on-line learning project - take a look at my Love your Lawn course......... http://www.my-garden-school.com/course/love-your-lawn/

2011-03-17T07:51:00.001-07:00

A great night at Chigwell Nurseries last night. At Hillier we are delighted to supply Chigwell (http://www.chigwellnursery.co.uk/) with shrubs and perennials – this nursery/garden centre is a traditional plant based business with a fantastic selection of hardy plants from small alpines and herbs, to giant specimens for instant impact. Veg and grow your own is well represented – even with the addition of chickens and bees in the near future.
Over 100 people came along to my talk about hardy plants to help kick off the gardening season. After a hard early winter I’m pleased to say that gardeners are looking forward to Spring and are raring to get going in the garden.
Jill, Pauline and the team had done a fantastic job setting up with super displays of lovely Hillier plants. They used similar colour themes to those I used at our Open Days for wholesale customers earlier this year; these tie in with the Chelsea theme: ‘Feel Good About Gardening’.
The majority’s favourite was a lovely silver and mauve blend of astelia, heuchera, hellebore, syringa and eucalyptus. Astelia ‘Westland’ looked particularly good with Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ – I teamed those with some trendy silver-grey shiny pots.
From the green and white theme Ribes ‘Elkington’s White’ was particularly popular. I am really pleased that this plant has been embraced by gardeners. It’s a good performer, easy to grow and a great mixed with easy, tolerant shrubs like choisya, variegated euonymus and Viburnum davidii. Plants that flower early on their bare stems are always a joy and a sign that winter is over and warmer, sunny days are on their way.
Last night was the first time I’ve had the opportunity to talk to people about Meadow anywhere – our wildflower, meadow grass mix in association with Habitataid. A £1 donation from the sale of each pack is split between Butterfly Conservation and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Lots of customers bought it, many with the intention of growing it in patio planters – and that’s the whole idea – you can have a meadow anywhere!
It was a great evening –I hope the customers enjoyed it as much as I did. That’s the great thing about gardening – we all get just as much out of talking about it as e do doing it. I came home with a lovely big tree heather which will have pride of place in my garden. Thanks to all at Chigwell – hope to visit again soon. Now I better get on with some more Chelsea planning....................

Feel Good About Gardening

2011-02-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

Well I would do if I could get out there and do it. Sunday - the last in February, dawned bright and springlike. The snowdrops are already fading and tulips are growing apace. Yesterday I managed to dig out a few clumps of bearded irises from a border that is now too shady for them. They are still sitting on the soil, waiting for a weed free patch in a sunnier spot. Never being one to finish one job before I start the next I dug the bindweed out of part of the veg. patch, with all good intentions of getting an early start with my spuds this afternoon - but rain stopped play - so here I am embarking on this year's Chelsea blog.

Plans for this year's exhibit have been creeping along in the background. We are ahead with the magazine, and behind with detailed plans for the exhibit. Rick and I picked out a few trees in January, and I have produced some semblance of a plant list. I know he will have everything in hand anyway. I paid a visit to organicstone a couple of weeks ago. Vicky, Gina, Sue and Brian were as enthusiastic as ever and gave me confidence in my outline plan - An encouraging day and my first ever experience of Nandos. Is it me or is it just chicken and chips? - I loved it anyway.

Timber buildings and decking all but sorted - just need to finalise exercise equipment - Did I mention that one aspect was all about using the garden as a Green Gym? No - well I think I'll come on to that later.

Meadow anywhere promises to be big news. In conjunction with Habitataid I intend to put a pocket handkerchief meadow into gardens across the country - you too can have a butterfly or a bumblebee in your back yard!

Anyway its stopped raining so I'm afraid its back to those potatoes. Sitting in front of a computer is not going to make me Feel Good About Gardening. Just imagine that healthy exercise wading through the mud, bending over and planting spuds. Must remember to do a few stretches afterwards - or maybe a large glass of red will be more effective!

Back to Basics

2010-10-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

I’ve been having a bit of a blog-break but normal service has now been resumed. I might not have been blogging – but I’ve certainly been talking plants and gardens. A few weeks ago I was at Wisley as part of their Tree and Shrub day to rekindle interest in woody plants. I’m all for that and not sure why we’ve let gardeners, especially new ones, forget about the importance of trees and shrubs which are, after all, the backbone of any garden.

It all stems from the way plants are sold today. They have to look good in a pot at the time of sale – hence the popularity of squat, compact varieties that are easy to move around, and don’t take up too much space on a lorry. Those of us in retail seem to believe that everyone buys on impulse, and few have any idea of what they are going to buy when they arrive at a garden centre or nursery. We sometimes forget about the incredible accessibility of information through newspapers, magazines, television and most of all through the internet.

The other influencing factor is the constant demand for new plants. New Plants are news – the media love them – they are stories! Those good old faithful garden basics tend to be ignored. So new gardens are stocked with pots of colour, and anything new; not necessarily always good.

I’ve been flying the flag for those good old hard working shrubs that have held gardens together for the last couple of generations. I want new gardeners to embrace these good doers and achieve success – this will encourage them to stay in love with gardening rather than having a go, failing and taking up decoupage or knitting instead.

I was delighted how well my lecture was received at Wisley and have been encouraged by the response from other groups. I reinforced the message at our autumn open day – my change to encourage our wholesale customers to stock and recommend good basic shrubs. What I have learned is that most of these old familiar favourites are new and exciting to many gardeners and we should never take them for granted.

Take Cornus alba ‘Sibirica Variegata’ for example. This is truly a plant for all seasons: It has deep red stems in winter, pretty cream and green, pink tinged variegated foliage in spring and summer. The leaves turn strawberry-rose in autumn and white berries appear in clusters. It grows on any soil, it never gets bigger than 1 metre tall, and is disease free. How many of the plants in your garden work that hard to earn their keep and are sociable enough to mix in with your treasured roses.

Is this a one off? No of course not there are lots of the: Berberis ‘Rose Glow’, Euonymus ‘Emerald Gaiety’, Viburnum davidii, Choisya ternata – I could go on and on! Whether we are growing them or selling them what we must make sure is that these good, solid subjects are available for gardeners when they want to buy them!

Turkish Delights

2010-08-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Sustainability is high on the agenda in every business today. Some see it as a chore and liability. To others it is a great way of adding value. Have just been to Turkey with Exclusive Escapes, an excellent independent travel company specialising in Greece and Turkey for those who want a great holiday experience where little is left to chance. This time we stayed at The Dionysos Estate, Kumbuluk near to Turunc – about 45 minutes north of Marmaris. The hotel is in a magnificent location hanging above the Kumbuluk Gorge – 250 metres above the bay below. Views out to sea where the mountains plunge steeply into the deep blue waters are magnificent. The terracotta roofs of the buildings and the azure blue of the large infinity pool are the only giveaway of the hotel’s existence as you approach up the mountain road. The rest blends sympathetically into the landscape – unlike so many of the hotel developments that scar the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.

Service and standards at the hotel are immaculate under the watchful eye of enterprising owner Ahrmet. He looks for any possible way to make a stay at the hotel even more memorable and recognises that good food and wine are high on the list of priorities of this clientele. The grounds are full of fruit trees: figs, plums, apricots, citrus and these appear daily on the breakfast table. Beneath the citrus salad crops grow, irrigated by seeper hose and grown quickly in the warm semi-shade. All meals feature fresh tasty, lettuce, purslane, rocket and leafy mustards flavoured with dill and spring onions, all picked that day.
Vines grace the terraces around the hotel – around 900 of them, and the hotel will be producing its first wine next season. Guests this year can sample ripe Merlot grapes as part of the breakfast buffet. Eggs too are from the hotel’s own chickens - fresh and delicious. Because the hotel wants to be as self sufficient as possible it has its own organic farm – not large but hugely popular with guests who visit for lunch or dinner during their stay. This is also an opportunity to learn about the production of Amos Olive Oil – The hotel’s own pressing – served every day with dinner along with freshly baked bread and drizzled over ripe tomatoes from the garden at breakfast and lunch. Staying here is like staying in a garden – on your way to the tennis court in the morning one of the Dionysos team will be watering a great patch of aubergines and sweet corn by the tennis court. Sitting at breakfast you are surrounded by citrus, olives and tonight’s salad. Yes, there’s masses of all the usual luxuriant Mediterranean bougainvillea, oleander, hibiscus and lantana but this garden is more complete and more useful. The little card in our room telling us that Exclusive Escapes had made a donation to enable the planting of two trees to offset or Carbon Footprint from the flight might be a bit cheesy – but it certainly didn’t do any harm, and maybe was part of the feel good factor of this holiday. Does sustainability add value here at Dionysos? – Yes, it’s part of the overall image and a great formula.

Marwell Magic

2010-07-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

A week or so ago I had the great pleasure to open the new formal garden at Marwell Wildlife Park, near Winchester. Marwell is a surprising place, more than a zoo it enables the visitor to see wild creatures from all over the planet in surroundings as similar to their native habitat as possible. A visit to Marwell is an experience and an education thanks to the dedicated and energetic team responsible for running it. In this environment everyone looks at the animals first, and plants and gardens play a support role. But this does not mean that Lance Ingram, Head of Grounds and Plants considers his role any less important. Thanks to his enthusiasm for the job he is working to increase the standards and profile of plants alongside the animals.

The ambitious project to create a new formal garden adjacent to Marwell Hall has been designed and executed by Lance and his team. It is inspired by the style of gardening and plants grown in the 16th and 17th centuries, adapted to todays plant pallette. It is entirely appropriate to the magnificent backdrop of Marwell Hall and has transformed the grounds around the hall to an attraction in the heart of the park. The planting only started last winter - formal yew and box hedges provide the backdrop surrounding roses, dianthus, iris, lilies and heritage vegetables. The formal vegetable garden is certainly going to be of great interest both to experienced gardeners and new gardeners inspired by the interest in grow-your-own. White carrots? Green tomatoes? - why not. Maybe some of these historical varieties will have a new lease of life with our constant search to find something new on our plates.

Herbs used for medicinal purposes and historical roses such as Rosa gallica 'Officinalis' - The Apothecary's Rose are a welcome reminder of the important role that plants and gardens have played in our lives through the centuries.

Personally I am particularly pleased to see the creation of a garden built to last - a new heritage garden that will be part of Marwell for years to come. So much in todays gardens is here today and gone tomorrow - this is real gardening and a great tribute to the great team that built it. I really look forward to seeing their next project.

Brideshead Revisited

2010-07-09T02:30:00.001-07:00

Last week I embarked on a Hillier Gardening Club holiday to North Yorkshire - our first trip to that neck of the woods. We have been running Hillier holidays for over 10 years now and have many regular travelllers. There were 44 on this tour and I had previously travelled with 40 of them - so really its like going away with a group of friends. We set off early, picking up a few of our number at Newbury, thn on to Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire. This was a lovely garden with an amazing walled garden surrounded by rose gardens and broad herbaceous borders. Fortified with a good lunch we headed on to our base - The Old Swan at Harrogate for our three night stay.

The following morning Parceval Hall at Wharfedale involved splitting the group onto two smaller coaches to negotiate the tortuous roads to the garden. It was noticeably cooler twhen we got off the coach - particularly as the weather had been so warm. However that only sharpened the appreciation of the wonderful air and magnificent views across the moors. We then went on to the magnificent Newby Hall for lunch and the afternoon.

Newby is a remarkable garden with so much to see. The longest mirrored herbaceous borders in Europe are worth the trip on their own. The rose garden was at its peak. The Acer griseum and other treasures in Wilson's corner were an unexpected treat. But everyones favourite was Sylvia's garden - a square sunken garden in a soft cocktail of pink, silver lilac and blue. Everyone loves a girlie garden!

Our next day was one of contrast. The morning in the private garden of Lady Clarissa Collin. A real garden and a real plantsman. We all loved Wytherstone and found treasures we hadn't seen before introduced by that enthusuasm and passion only demonstrated by a real plantman. Lady Clarissa joined us for lunch at the local farm shop - Beadlam Grange. They did us proud and set us up for our visit to Castle Howard. I must admit to being a real Brideshead fan - the TV series. So it was a great treat to be able to drive past the lake, catch that stunning view of the house and remember that haunting theme which played such a part in so many peoples lives a few years back. The gardens are good, but not remarkable. The landscape and scale of the whole is breathtaking and all of us quickly fell under the Brideshead spell.

Our last day in Yorkshire was spent visiting Harlow Carr - the RHS garden just outside Harrogate. The new education centre and garden has just opened and our guide proudly explained the green building and their objectives in encouraging the young to garden. Sarah was in charge of the main floral borders in the garden and I must say these are a work of art - a fusion of herbaceous border and prairie planting. The standard of horticulture was high and the garden is not too big so its possible to revisit areas that have caught your eye in passing. The presence of Betty's Tea Shop on site also made up for our lack of time to indulge in the original branch in the town centre.

After Harlow Carr - the long journey back to Hampshire. Plenty to talk about - lots of gardening chat. Some excellent geology from Prof. Peter Fookes and honorary Hillier with whom I have had the pleasure of travelling on a number of occasions. A Hillier holiday may be short - but you come back feeling that you have been away and seen a lot. We loved Yorkshire and this is a tour that we will definitely run again. Hopefully off to the Channel Islands next year - How about it?

Tales from Tateshina

2010-06-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

I didn’t really know what to expect. It was my first visit to Japan; anyone I met just told me it was very different. I had met Miss and Mr Yamada at Chelsea, also Mr Ito from the nursery we had supplied Hillier plants to. Mr Nishimoto from the Barakura garden centre and Mr Ito had visited earlier in the year, along with others associated with the garden.
At the airport I met Andy and Dave from the Brownsover Fish Bar bound for Barakura to cook fish and chips for the Japanese visitors – Yes, it sounds unlikely, but after a few days it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. We met other members of the English party at Narita airport and we boarded the coach for the four hour drive to Tateshina under the guidance of the charming Mr Yamezaki – our host and source of all guidance for the next few days. We stopped en route for a staggeringly good meal of noodles, tempura and broth at the motorway service station. From the outset this unlikely mix of people seemed to gel. We all come from very different walks of life, different parts of the country, and even different parts of the world. But it was a bit like the Chelsea show team – We all had something in common – an objective – To bring an aspect of English life to Japan, and to enjoy and learn from the experience.
The whole Barakura experience is somewhat surreal. Each day we travel the short distance to the garden by coach – The English team arriving together, smiling and waving to the waiting queue of visitors that we meet during the day. On Sunday morning we arrive at the garden in a fleet of Morgan cars – our celebrity status rockets! Morgan Morning!

Each day starts with the morning opening ceremony where the English visitors are introduced to the waiting visitors. We stand on the steps while Mr Yamada introduces us – we bow, perhaps a little self consciously and we feel proud to be part of it all.
The opening ceremony, the commemorative tree planting, the speeches, appearance on Japanese television and the serious job of judging; there are so many aspects to every day. Those of us giving lectures all try to do our best through our wonderfully supportive and understanding interpreters. I love working with Kathy (a Barakura Master!). My biggest concern is always whether I am getting my message across to the audience, when I can’t communicate directly.
I really hope I did! Ian and Tina from Peter Beales Roses joined us on Saturday and were plunged straight into the lecture programme with three sessions on their second day. Their initial concerns were just the same as mine.
The whole trip was only a week from beginning to end – but what a rich experience. It seemed a lot longer and our arrival at Narita on that first evening seems a lifetime way. We were made so welcome and the hospitality of our Japanese hosts was overwhelming. We had a lot laughs and many memorable moments that will stay with us. It was hard to leave – just as it is at the end of every Chelsea show – a mixture of exhaustion, emotion, satisfaction, elation and deflation.
It was my first visit to Japan and Barakura – some of the others have been going for three, four, five or even eight years. Would I go back? – well I’ve been doing Chelsea for 21 years – what do you think?

And a last word from the team:

Gardening Weather or Not - join me LIVE!

2010-06-25T04:13:00.000-07:00

Cant make it to one of our stores for our popular"Gardening, Weather or Not" FREE to attend talks?- well now you can tune in and watch it LIVE! I will be broadcasting the talk LIVE at our HEMEL HEMPSTEAD garden centre next Wednesday 30th June at 10.30am, via the internet

We will be broadcasting from 10am so you can tune in to test your connection, but dont worry if you miss the talk - it will be available to view afterwards

The talk will cover Summer planting and colour combinations, how to get the best from Roses, and how to extend the gardening season, whatever the weather!

So, to view a test transmission, and to Bookmark the site ready for next wednesday, copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hillier-at-the-chelsea-flower-show-2010

I look forward to you joining me, whatever the weather!

Borders or Bonsai?

2010-06-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

Why would you want to create an English garden in Japan? For the same reason that you would want to create a Japanese garden in England – to experience a different type of gardening and to enjoy a different garden style. But are the Japanese and English ways of gardening so very different? Well, yes they are, but there are similarities.
Many Japanese gardens are very small, but so are many English gardens. Not every Japanese house has a well tended garden, and the same is certainly true in England. Beautiful Japanese gardens depend upon great attention to detail and careful control of the plants within them; this is true to a lesser extent in English gardens.
Japanese gardens use a very limited plant palette. Shrubs, as we know them are noticeably absent. Exquisitely shaped ancient trees, stones, moss and shade loving ferns and perennials predominate. There are no beds and borders and manicured lawns, and little in the way of colour from flowers, apart from the blooms of azaleas, iris and primulas. I was surprised by the presence of bedding plants in so many situations. Barakura uses them to add seasonal colour in best English tradition. Elsewhere they appear in roadside beds and in plastic troughs outside hotels, restaurants and shops. Even in private gardens boasting ancient bonsai, stone lanterns and carefully arranged stones plastic troughs of pansies seemed to find their way in to disturb the planting picture. To me this seemed one of the most obvious similarities between the two garden nations – this craving for colour at the expense of design!

The macro bonsai are remarkable; carefully pruned and trained to simulate trees that have survived the elements, whose growth has been controlled by nature, and that have lived through the centuries. Pines under a century old are mere youngsters.

We visited a Sake brewery built around a small courtyard garden dominated by a 350 year old pine – planted when the brewery was founded. This is certainly not a low maintenance garden subject – it requires careful pruning by specialists twice a year to preserve its cloud-form branches.
Imagine, if you have a garden with several macro bonsai, the maintenance is quite a commitment. This isn’t a job for a hedge trimmer. This is a task that requires dedication and extreme attention to detail. This is difference between the way the English and the Japanese garden. Japanese gardens follow more traditional rules: there is a right way to do things. The English have their rules, but most do not follow them. English gardens change over time and in most cases plants come and go – in Japanese gardens the main subjects are planted for the long term.
Hydrangeas abound in some areas. On the drive to Mr Ito’s nursery, south of Tokyo, we passed a river flanked by mophead hydrangeas as a far as the eye could see.

The temple near our hotel had a beautiful garden of rocks, water, azaleas and irises surrounded by cherry trees in a sea of long grass and white moon daisies – pure magic! Looking one way it was rather like being in an English orchard – in the other direction the red paintwork and shallow pitched roof with elegantly upturned eaves was unmistakeably Japanese.

About Barakura - It's a rosy life!

2010-06-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

Barakura is an English Garden in a beautiful mountainous region of Japan known as the Japanese Alps. Started 20 years ago it is now well established and includes a thriving garden centre, cafe restaurant, Italian restaurant, and two boutiques featuring Rosy Life and Barakura fashion clothing designed by Miss Kay Yamada. Both are highly successful Designer Labels in Japan offered by more than 20 dedicated outlets in department stores throughout the country.
In addition Barakura is also a highly respected gardening school, the only one teaching the English way of gardening in Japan. It has over 600 students all aiming to become Masters under the instruction of Miss Kay, who leads pupils through all aspects of gardening, from basic cultivation to creative planting; container gardening being a speciality. Miss Kay’s brother, Mr Eugene Yamada, Director of Barakura oversees all aspects of a business made of many facets.
Barakura attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the year, however visitor numbers increase dramatically during the Flower Show in June and the Harvest Festival in October. At this time there are programmes of free public lectures, container planting competitions for both novices and Masters, seminars, workshops, entertainment with a distinctly British flavour, and emphasis on British food. At the summer flower show guest trade stands offer the visitor art, clothing, jewellery, accessories, food, wine and antiques.
Regular trade exhibitors to the show include David and Lynn Crane. David is an artist working in oils. Some of his paintings are inspired by visits to Barakura and travels in Japan, others are very English garden. He sells originals, limited edition prints and teaches the art of painting in oils during the show.
Maria and her son in law David from New York specialise in jewellery, especially amber. Her collection is extensive and features both contemporary and traditional pieces. Her stand is obviously a destination that is high priority with many lady visitors – including my wife!
Now you may well be thinking, “What has this got to do with English Gardening?” For me this was one of the most English aspect of the show – Just like the Country Living marquee at Hampton Court. “Forget the flowers – give me a scarf any day!”
The garden centre offers a range plants, furniture, pots and accessories that you would find in a boutique English garden centre. Choice is limited in some areas – such as compost and fertilisers – what a relief!. In the container area Whichford predominates and maintains the profile it deserves. Peter Beales roses are regarded with great reverence, and are rightly seen as the ultimate ingredient in the English garden. I was enthralled by the range of seasonal plants destined for use in creative containers, and the guest clematis and succulent exhibitors offered superb ranges. I found myself choosing a delicate little Hydrangea serrata towards the end of the week – completely forgetting that I was in a garden centre on the other side of the planet!
And oh yes – Barakura stocks a range of Hillier shrubs and young trees. These plants that are such basics in the English garden are scarcely used in Japan. Out first shipment arrived at Barakura this spring. The plants have to be root washed for export so they were potted in Japan at Mt Ito’s nursery to the south of Tokyo – four hours by road from Barakura. Considering the timescale they looked pretty good and it was a great thrill for me to see Hillier plants on sale in the Barakura garden centre.
So what is Barakura like? Aspects of the garden struggle a little in the humid Japanese climate. The lavender isn’t happy and this year the roses are late blooming – they’ve had a cold winter – sounds very familiar doesn’t it? Does Barakura stand up as an English garden against other gardens in England? – Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. I have visited considerably less impressive English gardens which claim more and offer very much less.
And the atmosphere? Well, the same the world over where a garden is involved. Despite the language barrier you soon forget you are far from home. People are friendly, charming, enthusiastic and warm. Bara means rose and as I understand it Kura means something like “way of life” and yes, it’s a rosy life at Barakura

Reflections on a Tateshina Meadow

2010-06-19T20:23:00.001-07:00

I first met Miss Kay Yamada at Chelsea Flower Show a few years ago when she created a garden called Reflections on a Tateshina Meadow. It was a delightful naturalistic garden based on the mountain meadows north of the Barakura English Garden. I especially remember the delicate yellow Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus she used in the garden, and I bought one for my own garden soon after the show on a garden tour to Normandy. Its fragrant yellow blooms were open when we left for Japan and seeing it in the garden reminded me of Reflections on a Tateshina Meadow and I wondered if we would have the opportunity to see these beautiful flowers in the wild.

Yesterday was another great Adventure in Gardening for me. Ra and I took a local bus up into the mountains to visit the Tateshina meadows. We travelled for about an hour and a half climbing steadily through paddy fields, gardens filled with cloud trees moss and azaleas, then through forests of Cornus controversa, Acer palmatum and a host of other familiar garden treasures in their natural habitat. We spotted wisterias high in the trees, actinidia, akebia and amazing ferns. As we climbed higher the trees thinned before falling below the road, here the hillsides are covered with soft orange azaleas, their sweet fragrance floating through the windows of the bus.

Then we moved up into the clouds which lay softly over the meadows, we walked amongst carpets of convallaria, polygonatum, hostas, violas and irises, osmunda ferns - unbelievable. The hemerocallis were still in tight bud but the other treasures more than compensated for their tardiness. We were aware of the mountains around up shrouded with mist and thought that we would only be able to imagine their majesty. Then the sun broke through the clouds and the cloud lifted to reveal the most spectacular landscape. It was quite breathtaking and i really can't believe that we have had the opportunity to experience this wonderful part of the world and view its natural treasures at such close quarters.

What a day! We managed the bus, without getting too lost! We met some lovely people - yes we speak different languages but it doesn't seem to matter. We saw so many different species - I just wish I'd kept a note of them all - but then again I doubt I'll forget them.

Opera in the Rain

2010-06-18T00:57:00.000-07:00

I said that all aspects of British life were represented here at Barakura - Our love of Opera and Musical theatre are no exception. Esther Reilley, the incredible Scottish Singer is one of our party. Today, the first day of lectures and events she has delivered four fabulous recitals including Schubert's Ave Maria, Memory from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats and O Mio Babbino Caro by Puccini. Esther is a vivacious and passionate character who loves to laugh and sing. Just to liven things up she flooded Jim's bathroom (in the room beneath hers)by leaving her wasbasin running - We know she meant to do it really! She claims to know little about gardening but has been showing a keen interest in some of the flowers here - We'll make a horticulturist of her yet!

I know the video won't do her voice justice but perhaps it gives an idea of the action here today at Barakura.

I gave my first lecture here this morning with the help of my Fantastic Interpreter Kathy - She coped admirably despite he fact that she claims I talk a lot - I can't imagine what she means!

Then we went along to Jim's lecture and demonstration - Great fun and very lively - Nori, his interpreter kept him in order - Quite an achievement I think!

The Highlands in Japan

2010-06-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

Well, what do you do for music in Japan. Bagpipes of course - what else? Here at Barakura opening day we have been treated to some spectacular pipe music delivered by Oliver our handsome young piper. Oliver is a Geology student at Glasgow Uni. and tells me that The Pipes are almost as important in his life as the ladies. Seeing the effect his playing has on the Japanese lady visitors I think The Pipes and the ladies have a close affinity!

Here's a few bars for you to enjoy.....

The rest of us have little chance in grabbing the attention of the young ladies when Oliver is around so Jim and Andy console each other with an ice cream - Rose Petal flavour. Actually we don't really envy Oliver that kilt and all the rest of the kit must be pretty warm with Opening Day temperatures in the 30s. At the end of the at we all cool off in the pool followed by a session in the the Onsen, Japanese Spa Bath. This is such a civilised activity in the evening before dinner. Men go one way and the ladies another. We shower an wash thoroughly before sitting around outside in a hot spa pool putting the world to rights before donning the traditional cotton Yukata for dinner in the Japanese restaurant. The Japanese beer is excellent and I'm getting a taste for Sake - A little more practice and I'll grow to love it.

Turning Japanese - I really think so

2010-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well, you never know where Chelsea can take you and my Adventure in Gardening continues at the Barakura English Garden in the mountains north of Tokyo, Japan. I'm here to lecture and celebrate 20 years of English Gardening here at Barakura - founded by The Yamada family. This is a reamarkable experience and I look forward to sharing it with you over the next few days . Here's a short video introduction:

As you can see I've run into an old friend here - Jim Keeling from Whichford Pottery. Jim has been selling his wonderful pots here for the past few years. He's quite a hero here at Barakura and really enjoys Japanese life - think I might get used to it too.

The big competition at the show is the Container planting competition. It is taken very seriously and I must say there are some magnificent and exhuberant plantings. Tracey Jim and I had the mammouth task of picking our favourite. It took quite some time - we finally agreed on a magnificent hand decorated Whichford Elephant planter in the Master class - I certainly couldn't have done anything like it - Although I did have a go at a couple. I got disqualified in the competition but Jim did claim it was one of his the following day at his Demonstration. The boy has no shame.

All aspects of England are represented here at Barakura - Fish and Chips are being prepared by our guest chefs from Rugby - Andy and Dave from the Brownsover Fish Bar, Rugby. These boys really know how to fry and this is their 8th year at Barakura and believe me those Fish and Chips are lapped up by the Japanese visitors to the garden.

Life after Chelsea

2010-06-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

Chelsea already seems a long time ago. Since the show I've been catching up in the garden and despite the severe winter I must say its really looking quite good now. The dry spell and cool temperatures have meant slow growth of many things, and some plants such as the peonies and roses are well behind this time last year - but that may mean a longer season of interest rather than having everything out at the same time.

Since the show I've had so many lovely messages from gardeners congratulating us on our 65th Gold Medal. I'm always amazed at the interest in the show from gardeners everywhere. It really seems to make all the effort worthwhile.

The Chelsea Live magazine has been well recieved, and funnily enough it is an ongoing reminder of a very happy Chelsea 2010. Every time I see a copy the cover - a picture of Moroccan Magic - reminds me just how good this year's exhibit was. I don't mean that in an arrogant way - I'm just so proud of the achievement of the team that created Adventures in Gardening.

There's always a bit of a sense of deflation and sadness after Chelsea - every high has its low. Sometimes there are aspects of the show or the exhibit that I will not be sorry not to relive - this year that is not the case. Every aspect of the exhibit and the show brings happy memories. We had so much fun with The Secret Garden Diary Room and I look forward to catching up with the Scotts Team to discuss future plans.

You never know where Chelsea will take you - I remember saying that in a blog a few weeks ago. Last year I met Kay Yamada and the team from the Barakura English Garden, in Japan.....Who knows what may happen in the next few weeks!

http://barakura.co.jp/english/

Buy a piece of history...

2010-05-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

Do you want to own a piece of history - maybe a plant from our 65th Gold Medal winning exhibit? then get to our Sunningdale Garden Centre at 10.30 on SUNDAY morning - all the smaller plants will be there for you to buy, but get there early and be prepared to queue!

You can buy the ex chelsea display statues, and even the thrones of knowledge in our new online shop - http://www.hillieronline.co.uk/products/seasonal-offers/page-1.html

At last look

2010-05-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Friday morning -- early. Just about to leave for London for my last day at the show. It's been a fantastic week and lots of fun on the exhibit, around the show and in the Secret Garden Diary room.
On Wednesday we welcomed Margaret and Brian from Redditch our competition winners - a lovely couple and it was a great pleasure to show them around our exhibit, a few of the show gardens and share a Pimms listening to the band.
Thursday saw a lively day with the arrival of Susan Daniels the opera singer. She arrived ready to deliver an aria or two at the masked ball and attracted lots of attention in her rich pink silk gown. She then sat on the throne of knowledge and gave tips on how to revive a flagging rose by singing to it.
In the afternoon Carol Klein came along to do a little filming. She too entered the ecret Garden Diary Room and sat on the throne of knowledge to give us the benefit of her years of experience as a nurseryman and a gardener.
The Scotts team have been fantastic and we've loved working with them. We've all seemed like one company and I hope we'll work together again. - That, after all, is a big part of the magic of Chelsea - meeting old friends, making new ones and sharing in our interest in gardening.
I always love the journey home from the show when its on - that Chelsea magic spreads through the London streets, the underground and onto the train home as show goers carry their armfuls of leaflets and purchases and chatter about what they've seen. That commuter world, often so grey and silent is suddenly lifted with colour - the effect of the spirit of gardening.
More later................

Tell us what you think...

2010-05-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

Have you enjoyed reading this blog? - have the videos made it more enjoyable? Let us know - either sign the Guestbook, or email us at markpitman@hillier.co.uk. Id love to hear your views

The show goes on ........................

2010-05-26T00:38:00.000-07:00

The show goes on…………….

By Wednesday the show routine is well underway. After the heat of Monday, Tuesday was cooler and a rather pleasant day meeting old friends, making new ones, greeting customers and sharing the odd slurp of bubbly. Hillier team and visitors to the exhibit all pleased for our 65th Gold Medal.The Sinocalycalycanthus is, as we expected, a show stealer, and the Digitalis is admired by all. It seems roomier in the Pavilion so even television filming in the afternoon seemed to cause little disruption. The Secret Garden Diary Room was busy all day – I think we filmed around 40 tips – every one a word of wisdom to help other gardeners on their voyage of discovery in the garden. The Scotts team, Melinda, Paula, Dan, David and Paul did a great job and coped with me insisting on entertaining right in the entrance to the Diary Room. The layout has worked really well but I wonder if we should have made the interior of the Diary room more spectacular – It looks good, it’s practical, but as always there is lots of clutter to fit in! I always start to get self-critical at this stage.

The heat of Monday induced the London Plane trees to start their annual moult of irritant dust that gets in your eyes, ears and up your nose and feels like shards of glass in the throat. It feels more like Chelsea! – this is usually a feature of staging. The red Horse Chestnuts are now shedding their petals prolifically over the furniture and sculpture stands. The immaculate stone and glassy water of the outside gardens is now evenly covered with a film of dust and debris. This is definitely more like Chelsea.

The standards in the show are high this year – lots of Gold Medals outside – and in the Pavilion too. It seems as if Chelsea has triumphed over the weather once again. Home on Tuesday just in time to catch the BBC coverage – very pleased with our slot – thought it was nicely put together and told an aspect of our Chelsea story. It would be great if it was possible to cover the Hillier exhibit in the same way as the Show Gardens are filmed – but they can’t get the gib inside the Pavilion. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been tempted to move outside and do a show garden – whenever I say that the weather breaks and we have rain for the rest of the week – think I’ll keep quiet this year. Also The Pavilion is our domain – We are known for the biggest exhibit in the Pavilion – the Monument site.

Chelsea has changed over the years – and so it should. More floristry and fewer nurseries - More show gardens – especially small gardens - which I hope will gradually influence how we become more creative in the average garden. I don’t necessarily mean in construction terms, but with our planting. It’s not necessarily about finding something different to grow – it’s how we put our familiar plants together to create a pleasing picture.

I always get more serious at this stage in the show. After the adrenalin packed fun of staging I always eel a mixture of relief, delation, exhaustion – not too sure what. I expect a Pimms or two will change all that – it always has I the past!

We've had a good deal of media attention - heres a few links, but if youve seen any others, let mark know at markpitman@hillier.co.uk and we'll post the links here http://hilliergardencentres.co.uk/chelsea18.php

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p007zmbf

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p007zd31

65th Consecutive Gold!

2010-05-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

well, we did it, after all the hard work, the trials and tribulations with the weather and plants, we were awarded our 65th Gold Medal this morning - what a feeling! Ricky and I were on the exhibit early to see the medal arrive, and its been a whirlwind of Tv, radio, and of course, the public, who love what the team have created. Thanks to everyone who worked on the exhibit, and the preparation over the months leading up - we couldnt have done it without any of you

Sunday evening, and the loose ends

2010-05-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

The adventure begins - no sooner had the staging team left this afternoon, that other members of the team arrive to start preparations for the Press Launch tomorrow; the judging begins mid morning, and then the Gala Evening. So lots to do; sweeping, tidying and finishing touches. Gill arrived mid afternoon and set-to, sweeping through the exhibit. Mark arrived shortly afterwards, and assures me that the webcam he intends to set up tomorrow morning will be working fine, and will stream live video to this site: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hillier-at-the-chelsea-flower-show during Monday and Tuesday.

Last job for the day was to film a walkthrough the whole exhibit which I think shows it off to its best advantage - seeing how the planting works together - and it gives you an idea of the scale of the site- 3500 plants just get lost in it - anyway, sit back and enjoy:

Sunshine Sunday

2010-05-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning - clear, sunny and gorgeous. Tim and I started the day on location - He never misses a photo opportunity and I never miss an opportunity to be photographed. A good night last night - it always is when the exhibit is complete and you are pleased with what you have achieved. Photography and putting the Live magazine together went well - we've even managed a live cover - the first time since 2000. Sunday is a slightly strange day - very satisfying and rewarding, but also rather sad when the staging team head for home, leaving just a few of us - to be joined by others who will man the exhibit for the next six days.

We've had so many enthusiastic comments about our work I know we are in for a wonderful week.

Melinda and David from The Scotts Miracle Gro company are here to set up the video equipment ready for filming in the Secret Garden Diary room and the Thrones of Knowledge are in place ready for press day. You will be able to pick up on all the tips and advice on http://www.lovethegarden.com/ - the pool of knowledge is getting deeper every day!

Saturday Success - almost..........

2010-05-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening - Exhibit nearing completion and we are putting the Hillier Chelsea Live magazine to bed. A few hairy moments today - particularly when we ran out of bark - We haven't done that for years! Guess those borders are deeper than usual. Also cutting it fine on planting - Ben saved the day by bringing us a few more medium height plants and two pallets of bark - we are all very grateful.
More news later - here's a few videos to keep you going...................
Moroccan Magic

White Water

The Masked Ball

Not exactly a masked ball - but near enough!

Friday's World Tour

2010-05-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

A good day's staging - warm, humid and sultry and that's not just Moroccan Magic. Neil and Nigel took a break on the Thrones of Knowledge which they installed in Jardin Majorelle - Looks like a Beckham wedding doesn't it? Here's a few videos from today's show. Now come with me to the kasbah.....

Moroccan Magic

Kevin, Cindy and Richard arrived early this morning. Richard cracked on with staging with Chris while Kevin and Cindy got stuck into the labelling. Cindy writes between 750 and 800 labels each year. Kevin lists the plants and Cindy then tries to read his writing and decipher his spelling - quite a challenge. Another distraction this year - looks like Kev is quite taken with my headgear.........another adventure in the making.

Around midday Mehrdad and his team arrived with the copper and glass sculpture for Venetian adventure. Its called Isphahan after the ancient Persian capital. The "flowers" are aqua glass and pick up the colour of the Moroccan garden beautifully. It is absolutely stunning as ever and although we never discussed the design in detail I know that I will never be disappointed by what he produces. When the light catches that glass and those copper leaves the effect will be quite breathtaking - especially against the rich ruby, purple and sapphire of Pip and dave's planting.

Venetian Adventure

The slate monoliths are now in place as are the fabulous stainless steel spherical water features. Gary and Steve have been working on the green and white woodland planting and I've been nagging them incessantly about covering the tree pots before they put in the delicate aquilegias primulas and the stunning Digitalis 'Serendipity'.

White water

Kartika now sits amidst a carpet of wild silk colour - Sue and Dan have woven a veritable silk sari beneath her feet. I think this vista will be a favourite during the week.

Indian Intrigue

Tim arrived late afternoon and we did some of the shots for Chelsea Live magazine - would be great to get a couple of those in the bag a day early instead of rushing it at the last minute. However, its always when you think you are ahead that you fall behind so I won't be too complacent yet!

Once a Plant Hunter...

2010-05-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

Thursday and the next contingent of the staging team arrived on site - Sue, Emma and Jane, Ricky and John and Pip and Dave. Three lorry loads of plants - not four as expected, but still loads to unload and plenty of glorious colour. Chris and Emma worked on the timber edging which is now all but completed. Stuart finished his pool which was three parts filled withwater before we left tonight. Once the plants are off the lorries the team gradually divide into small staging teams and to concentrate on areas of the exhibit - Pip and Dave are in Venice, Stu is stuck in Morocco, Sue is in India and Steve and Gary are riding White Water - Rick and John are still travelling. Its clearly not just the dust cloud that causes travel disruption!

When we left the appartments this morning we managed to leave Dan behind - nothing personal. He came round very quickly when we gave him a pastry - easy pleased!

I did a bit on the new Digitalis 'Serendipity' for the One Show - doing an X Factor for plants linked into the RHS best new plant intro. There's no doubt about it a new plant always attracts attention. However in amongst the vast number of plants being wheeled into he Pavilion there is a secret show stealer on the Hillier exhibit. With lovely broad green leaves and graceful habit the little known Sinocalycalycanthus has arrived. It has soft wine red flowers - shaped like small lotus blossoms - its stunning - the show plants look great and I know this one has the X Factor. It's more of a Leona Lewis than a Joe McKeldry - However maybe the Digitalis is actually our Alexandra Burke?

At the end of the Day ricky decided to go for an alternative mode of transport - Its amazing who you make friends with at Chelsea................

Painting with Plants

2010-05-19T07:09:00.001-07:00

Wonderful Wednesday

2010-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday dawned fresh and clear with the promise of a warm day. the first six of the staging team left Ampfield with me at 6a.m. - Chris driving the minibus. We arrived at the show at around 8.30 in time to offload the first of three lorries. On board a few remaining accesories such as the stainless steel water features, the huge terracotta piece for Moroccan Magic and another urn and statue and lots of plants - big plants. Huge specimens of Viburnum burkwoodii, Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii', Cornus controversa 'Variegata', Syringa josiflexa 'Bellicent', Cornus kousa and so it goes on. My reaction is always "We'll never fit all" that in - but then those planting areas get bigger and the exhibit swallows more and more material. The first rhododendrons arrive - looking good. The cherries we put into place the other day are now fully open with the rising temperatures - colour combinations start to formulate.

Pete and Steve have finished the paving and hard landscaping elements of the exhibit and leaveearly afternoon. Neil, Chris and Dan concentrated on the edging. Stu specialised in his Majorelle pool which is looking good - several exhibitors enquired about bathroom installations - could be a new career break for him. Bring on the Matey.....

Nigel made his last mix - 160 this year - he then turned his attention to Kartika who is comfortably installed on her plinth. We decided to raise her up to show her best assets - we all agreed she has a very pretty face.

Steve and Gary concentrated on the planting around the diary room while Dave pumped water into thirsty trees and specimen shrubs - in the warm tempertures watering will be a priority.

With the rising temperatures watering will be a priority - especially with four lorries to look forward to tomorrow........And now to Ask Pizza....

Tuesday - and the temperature is rising........

2010-05-18T04:02:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning - warmer and the weathermen are promising a heatwave. I don't really want that - I just want comfortable temperatures and a little sunshine.

Just had the staging team briefing. The great thing about Chelsea is that it brings together a group of people from different parts of the company - people who do not normally work together. Although many have done Chelsea before the novelty of the experience never wears off and the anticipation is as exciting as ever. Some may think of it as a few hard days labour - those involved see it as a unique opportunity to be part of a magical creation. The minibus - our transport of delight for the next few days has arrived. Ricky is busy loading ready for three lorries to arrived in London tomorrow - the first one just after we arrive on site - hopefully.

By the time I left the show last night the team seems to be well on schedule. The paving is nearing completion - just the tricky bits of cutting and grouting still to do. The edging is still to do. We use timber sleepers and paint them - grey this year to match the garden pavilion at the end of the diary room.

The Venetian palace is nearly there. The lads from Redwood stone just have the ramparts to complete. These are going to be rather fiddly to render, but both back and front will need it because they will be seen from nearly all angles. I must say this is a fantastic structure and I know it will attract a lot of attention at the show.

Kartika is vaguely in place but still under wraps. Her plinth still needs to be finished and I decided it was better to keep her blindfolded at this stage. I don't want her to be too upset by the apparent chaos around her at the moment. She's tried to improve the weather and we don't want things to go downhill again!

Tom Stogden's fabulous slate sculpture is in place between the birch trees. I think I may raise it on a short plinth so that we don't lose too much of it in the planting. The accompanying slate monoliths are still to be erected.

We had one delivery yesterday - mostly trees for other exhibits and our large cherries and the carpinus hedge which surrounds the diary room. The cherries have been in cold store and will open quickly now they are in the warm. They look fantastic and should cause quite a stir if they stay looking good. However I have to keep reminding myself that the show does not open until a week today.

For me today is about tying up loose ends back at base - however its quite hard to concentrate when you are thinking about what's going on in London. - not long now........

Just another manic Monday................

2010-05-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

Just another manic Monday…………

Not the day I expected yesterday – drizzle for much of the day, the odd wave of warmth. Then late afternoon gentle rain for about an hour. I could feel the whole garden breathe a sigh of relief – by evening everything felt plumper, happier, you could almost see things growing. I did manage to evict some of the faded tulips and get some of the pots planted for summer. For one thing it’s the middle of May – but the main incentive was the thought of playing with colour – I suppose I am getting into Chelsea mode.

As with the exhibit, you start with a plant or two and the whole thing builds from there. Because some of the tulips are still in bloom they have influenced the colour scheme. I am very much in my orange and purple phase throughout the garden, and the pots are no exception. The deep red foliage of Acer ‘Fireglow’, a Chelsea veteran from 8 years ago, and still in the same pot looks great this year. I am really impressed by the resilience and tolerance of these purple leaved Acer palmatum varieties – anyone who fails with them kills them with kindness! Another favourite is Berberis ‘Admiration’. The fresh foliage on this compact, rounded little shrub glows flame, lovely with those tiny creamy yellow flowers. I grow it in a rounded dark red glazed pot – delicious! I’ve continued the orange theme with various variegated Zonal Pelargoniums such as ‘Vancouver’. These did brilliantly last year in spite of the weather. Purple nemesias, violas and osteospermums will take over from the purple tulips and a brilliant orange Diascia called ‘Pumpkin’ will intensify those fiery tones. Maybe this theme will carry on at Chelsea – could be Moroccan or Venetian – or maybe I’ll enter a new colour period and come home and change it all.

Primula ‘Francisca’ is a plant I found last year and am still madly in love with. Green with a lemon peel eye, each flower is pleated and ruffled. It flowers for ages and last season’s plants, still in their pots, are performing immaculately. We must grow this plant commercially next year – or do I really want other people to have it?

Monday Morning – clear, fresh and wonderful. On an early train to London with Chris for a day working on the exhibit. Am I excited? – Yes! That pre Chelsea exhaustion and weariness, that feeling of “Oh no – not again” has gone. The adrenalin has started to kick in – Let’s get the framework of this garden built; then we can get adventurous with plants.

Text from Neil last night – obviously pleased with the palace - If he is – I now I will be! They went to Benitos – Earls Court Road last night. The Hillier Chelsea restaurant – just like going home to the family – they are looking forward to seeing the team as much as we are looking forward to seeing them – It’s just another aspect of our emotional attachment to this crazy show!

Here's a few videos from today at the show

The paving....

The Trees ......

Tea break....................

A warmer weekend..........in London and Hampshire

2010-05-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

The team on site on Friday From left to right: Nigel, Andy, Neil, Pete and Steve. I'm the lightweight at this stage - I get to go home at the end of the day! I'm no good at building anyway - but I am in it for the long haul later on!

They've just got a few tons of slabs to lay, two buildings to construct, a few walls, pools - that sort of thing - no problem!

Back in my Garden.............

While the construction team are busy on site I took the opportunity to catch up a bit in the garden. That's the worst aspect of Chelsea for me - it comes along when the garden should be looking its best and there is loads to do. The weeds grow before your very eyes, the tulips fade in the pots and need replacing, veggies need planting out and the grass grows despite lack of rain. Here in Hampshire we desperately need rain - a good steady rain overnight and nice warm sunny days - is that too much to ask for?

We've had a number of cold, frostly nights and last week they certainly took their toll in the garden. My beautiful fragrant white Wisteria is ruined, hostas have been knocked back and even the open blooms of rhododendrons are brown and spoiled. Sometimes gardening is a depressing process! I suppose that's the difference between a show garden and a real garden - A show garden has no weeds, no grass that needs cutting, plants don't die of hard winters and disease - It's a sort of fairytale world - somewhere over the rainbow!

I popped into the nursery on saturday morning to ssee Ricky - both of us are very glad to see some sunshine but those foxgloves still haven't moved and rosebuds are still very green - It is simply too cold at night and the pots take too long to warm up for growth to start early in the daytime.

In London everyone seems reasonably happy. The big trees arrived on site on Saturday morning along with help from Ben, Cat and Raf who went up to offload so that the construction team could keep building. Neil is a bit concerned that there is still all the paving to do and we may run out of time - in other words we'll need an extra day on construction. We will review that this evenin (Sunday). Ideally I like all the building work out of the way before the plants start to pour in, but we have worked both together before. We'll see what happens.

Anyway for me today, Sunday its back to the garden - I need to do about three week's gardening today..................Don't think I'll hit my deadline either.

You've seen the film - now read the book

2010-05-14T23:56:00.000-07:00

The First Day on Site

The first day on site seemed to have gone pretty well by the time I left. The Team: Neil, Nigel, Pete and Steve had unloaded the lorries, covered the site with polythene, and marked out the plan by the time I arrived just before midday. Brian from organicstone was there with the paving sorting it with his usual care and attention to detail ready for laying.

The Venetian palace, a new stone structure by Redwood stone is an additional challenge for the construction team this year. They have built similar in the past so have a good idea of what’s involved. This, along with the paving, edging, pool, stature plinths and the arrival of the big trees on Saturday means there is a lot to do. I have arranged a little extra manpower to help with offloading and moving plant material to take some pressure off the construction crew – I hope its enough!

I felt much more confident as the afternoon moved on. They had built the base of the palace – up to 3 courses of quoins by four o’clock and intended to make a start on the paving. Tomorrow will be the next three layers or so – then the paving. We have to build up in layers to let the mortar go off between building sessions. Tim and the Redwood Stone team are on site for the weekend so are on hand to help if necessary.

The Pavilion seems a little more pleasant this year. The grass has been nicely cut and prepared and dust is being kept to a minimum with water – long may it continue. There are also more exhibitors inside making a start. The City of Birmingham Chinook helicopter is in position and hovering. This type of carpet bedding display is always a crowd pleaser and was so much a feature of Chelsea in days gone by. Funny idea really- creating an object by attaching little plants to a framework. It has no application in the world of real gardens, it’s unlikely anyone will want to buy it, but it’s clever all the same!
It reminds me of that TV advert where a crowd of people make a car out of cake. It’s fascinating; just never ask why they do it.

The strangest thing about the first day on site is that it seems as if you’ve never been away. The security man on the gate was just the same, Jim was stewarding as ever in the Pavilion. Some body new always gets a bee in their bonnet about something – all the old hands shrug, carry on and take no notice. None of us can ever believe it’s a year since we were here last. It feels like we’ve had a day or two off and then returned. Am I glad to be back? – yes, of course – at the moment. Will it be a good show? Am I pleased with the design? Ask me in a week’s time and I’ll tell you.

Mixing magic..........

2010-05-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

The first mix of many.................. 17 tons of mortar -Nigel's magic ingredient!

The foundations of success.....

2010-05-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

The first stages of the Palace

Friday - First Day on site...............

2010-05-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Well, its arrived - our first day at the show.............

It's only superstition.............

2010-05-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Although we've had a couple of days sunshine the nights are still freezing. I was horrified to see the frost damage in my garden - Wisteria, rhododendron blooms, rodgersis, hydrangeas all distinctly shrivelled by frost. No wonder those foxgloves and roses are just not moving - Time for more drastic measures. I have to say the weather has remained freezing ever since our Goddess Kartika arrived on site and was uncermoniously installed on a pallet in the packing shed. A flash of inspiration came to me in the night - maybe she cam influence the blooming of our reluctant plants?

So this morning I enlisted the help of some muscle and we (or rather they) moved Kartika into the tunnel amidst the foxgloves and roses. I had a pleading word with her - she smiled a little - think it was just relief to be out of the packing shed. I can't say that those plants bloomed before my very eyes - but she needs a little time.

Ricky was more sceptical about the whole operation and decided to move some of the Digitalis and the Philadelphus (my plants are showing a few buds! - Ricky's are not!) down to the greenhouses of John Robinson houseplants. They may not be quite as light as the tunnel but they are warmer at night (Don't tell Kartika!).

Anyway this all went on alongside the loading of the lorries in the capable hands of Nigel - one of our fantastic construction crew. Nigel is always optimistic and cheerful - I reminder him of that when he had a negative moment about my Venetian Palace this morning. I have every confidence they can pull it off without any help from Kartika - she need to concentrate on the plants.

Loading Starts in earnest

2010-05-13T04:46:00.000-07:00

Down to the nursery first thing this morning to watch the loading of the first articulated lorry, we've got to get it right at this stage or it costs in time, effort and labour. Watch the video!

Time for Trees

2010-05-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here I am outside Ampfield House, Hillier's Head Office; poised at the start of our 2010 Chelsea Adventure - watch the video for more......

Well Wednesday has been tree day. Ricky and I set off for Broadmead container tree nursery (about 200 yards up the road from the office) armed with the site plan and the list of big trees we reserved last autumn. The trouble is at Broadmead nothing looks massive, because its all so big!

Why we bother to select trees in October I'll never know - it seems like a good idea at the time. When it comes to final selection we change our minds on most things. What were we going to do with 8 pines and two massive thujas? - Think I was in a "Save the Fir" mode. I remember saying that we had done a lot of birches and it was time to give them a rest. What did we choose today? - yes, you guessed it - birches. And beeches funnily enough - we rejected the weepers and chose the golden and quirky purple ones - notorious for aphids but clean so far.

Anyway our selection is tagged and will be loaded on Friday to arrive in London on Saturday. These big trees need to be placed before the pathways and other hard landscaping features are completed - the fabric of the garden is literally built around them.

My favourite tree so far? its hard to say but I was seduced by a huge Zelkova serrata - I'll put it alongside the monument and visitors will walk beneath its branches and translucent leaves. I love the Acer platanoides 'Globosum' - difficult to transport because it is so brittle but stunningly different all the same. Personally I like purple foliage so for me a Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is an essential and ours still has a hint of rich Merlot about its canopy - perhaps that's why I like it.

Rick has promised me cherries in bloom and we may even manage the odd Magnolia. My adventure amonst the trees? - Platanus orientalis 'Minarette' - silver grey bark, deeply cut leaves and branches hanging with dangly rich brown felty earrings - devastatingly seductive! - I'll take two.

Loading tomorrow...............

Preparations apace

2010-05-12T06:22:00.001-07:00

Tuesday was a day of wild creativity. Once the team start to get into the idea the creative juices flow. The Throne of Knowledge has been tranformed into a peacock of aqua and gold -It looks so good I had to go and buy myself a shirt to match. Thanks Simon for persuading me - I've bonded with it!

The terracotta pots for Moroccan Magic have taken on hues of orange, yellow and cobalt blue - are they too bright? In the dark shed they do make you flinch a little but the colour is very authentic and when cooled by green foliage and terracotta tiles they will be fine.
The statuary is amazing and we've all fallen in love with the Goddess Kartika - she's beautiful even when sitting on a dreary pallet - I wonder how long it will be before she is draped in a high viz. jacket?

Sue and Andy have been assembling a variety of accessories - all these little details help to tell the story. A Moroccan teapot and glasses arrived for MM. Some great masks for Venetian Adventure. I made the mistake of suggesting a feather boa and satin basque for this section - guess what arrived in the post this morning? - You think I'm joking - wait and see.

It's great when everyone starts to get into Chelsea mode - it helps to take my mind off the cold weather - minus 3 again this morning! Flowers are still slow on foxgloves, roses and other blooming treasures - some will not make it - there's no point kidding ourselves. Not a lot can be done - It's in the lap of the Gods - Come on Kartika - Do us a favour!
Wednesday - Time to choose the trees. Thursday - Loading up. Watch this space.

May, or is it November

2010-05-10T05:18:00.000-07:00

I blame the BBC - they wanted jeopardy and weather, and since then we've certainly got it. This weekend was absolutely freezing - or at least it felt it in the nice north easterly winds. Saturday - it hardly got light. I spent the day in the garden. Did I enjoy it? No - do people really do that for pleasure? Anyway low light levels and cold have really brought the Chelsea plants to a standstill.

I like green in the garden, but you can have too much of a good thing. Green roses, green foxgloves and green rhododendrons are all too much - would be good to liven it up with a bit of colour.

Call from Alex this morning wondering why she had not had an entry for this new "Best Chelsea Plant" competition. I explained that I only got the email about it a week ago and things aren't looking that hopeful. Anyway apparently its all going to be very high profile. Entry in hand - plants are not. The Philadelphus has a one in one hundred chance of making it, the foxglove - slightly better odds.

Ricky is clearly worried. The roses were wilting when I arrived - moist enough at the roots but clearly shocked at a brief shaft of sunshine. Foxgloves showing buds but very green. Even some of the Rhododendrons are still very tightly closed. Outside in the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens there seems to be plenty of colour - but that is little consolation.

Just spoke to Tim Redwood about my Venetian Palace - sounds good - but heavy! It's always the same with any major stone constructions - at this stage I worry about whether they will really stand up without any foundations apart from a sheet of polythene! If they are in the middle of the exhibit its not so bad but when they are on the edge...... Well, its always the same - build a wall and somebody leans on it.
The throne of knowledge is being painted as I blog - bright peacock blue. Pots for Morocco are painted - haven't seen them yet! Tomorrow - lots more detail and Wednesday choosing trees. Thursday loading - Friday on site! So near and yet so far to go.

Talking gardening, garden shows and gardening

2010-05-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

This week has been about gardening - surprisingly enough. Started with talks on climbers at Sunningdale - great weather and great audience - convinced myself that I love climbers - even bought a clematis. Talked about growing Clematis viticella 'Purpurea Plena Elegans' through Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' - couldn't resist it.
Then to Penny Snell in Surrey - her garden looked magical - lovely audience - talked Adventures in Gardening - plant combinations for impact - a brilliant day finished off with another talk to a lovely group just outside Salisbury - Shrubs - always a favourite topic of mine.

This weekend - Gardening - the big pre-Chelsea onslaught. Tulips looked fabulous - heartwrenchingly gorgeous - heartbreakingly catastrophic when wind and rain broke off some of the doubles. From a distance the garden looks terrific - close up it looks decidedly precarious as weeds grow apace.
Sunday - Bishops Waltham Garden Fair - Lovely event where the great the good and the gardeners turn out to find trusted plants and treasures from great little nurseries and all in a good cause. I love this event, I love the people and I love the plants. Some may be horrified at the idea of a garden centre operator shopping at a garden fair - Sorry, but its different. This is just another facet of the Adventure of Gardening. It sits happily alongside big commercial horticulture - this is a thread of real plantsmanship that is essential to real gardening and pure oxygen to us plant anoraks that cannot live by garden centes alone.

Actually it was just what I needed after Friday - a terrific day pre-Chelsea filming with the BBC. 8 hours for four and a half minutes television. Sounds unbelievable and I can never believe how quickly the time goes, and how long it takes. They have to film every bit from several different angles to make the viewer believe there are lots of cameras rather than just one. Why? I hear you ask - still don't know, but that's how it is. The story - all about the weather - the effects of the cold winter - will it make it - won't it make it - lots of jeaopardy. For those of us involved with the show year after year every season is different, and everyone has its problems - so the weather is always a factor and its not that exciting. I would have loved to have the opportunity to talk more about our plans for the exhibit- the concept of Adventures in Gardening - my objectives - inspiring visitors etc. Anyway - Lovely crew, great day, pleased we'll get some coverage - wait and see!

As I said, the bulk of the weekend was devoted to gardening. Tulips look amazing, Rhododendron Horizon Monarch is in full bloom and overall the garden looks good and the weeds are thriving. Lots of new planting - peas again - first lot did not show -Treasures from the Plant Fair and a few replacements for cistus and phormiums that perished in the winter. We have lots of purple and orange in the garden and, against the fresh green of late spring it is simply mouthwareringly senational. I'd love to say it was all planned, but just like some of the best Chelsea combinations it just happened. - perhaps some intervention from above - who knows but it is simply heavenly.

Lakeland break

2010-05-03T02:03:00.000-07:00

A week ago I managed a bit of a break taking a garden tour to the lakes. Living in the soft south its easy to forget the magic of the mountain landscape that awaits just a couple of hundred miles north. The first Hillier holiday of any year is always a treat and this one was no exception. A fair aount of sunshine, a good hotel overlooking Windermere, spring flowers, good company and a variety of gardens made for a very enjoyable few days. Our Lakeland guide George Feather and his wonderul wife Dorothy made us welcome as ever and we met many other passionate Lakeland gardeners along the way. The horticulture of the whole area is underpinned by the Lakeland Horticultural Society and its dedicated members. Their work at the community garden Holehird is fantastic and totally humbling. This remarkable plant collection held together and presented superby is entirely the work of volunteers - a real lesson in working together and co-operation.

On the way to Windermere we were privileged to visit Gresgarth Hall - The home and garden of designer Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd. This is a fantastic garden and despite the hard winter it did not disappoint. Spring flowers including fritillarias, erythroniums, primulas and dicentras carpeted the ground around the lake. The hellebores were still magnificent and the magnolias were virtually untouched by frost. Arabella was gardening, and her passion and eye for detail in this garden are obvious. Its always reassuring to find a designer who practices what she preaches. I have to say we left Gresgarth on day one feeling that we had seen the highlight of the tour, and on a lovely sunny late afernoon.
The following day was fine and bright and Holehird welcomed us as warmly as ever. A vist here is never long enough and we all letf talking about our return visit - always a good sign. Then a pub lunch and off to Liz Clark's fellside garden at Hartsop.

This was a long way from Gresgarth - a remote fellside village - austerely beautiful in watery spring sunshine, but it must have been a long hard winter. Entering the small front garden under the branches of a magnolia we were met by Liz -a little bright-eyed lady in green fleece. She spoke quietly and clearly describing every plant that made up her garden picture with such colour that even those only peeping from the soil bloomed before our eyes. We explored the steep hillside garden behind the house, looked for invadng badgers, saw every tree she had raised from seed, and peeped into her late husband's plot on the other side of the lane - now in her care. This might not have ben the showiest garden I had ever visited, and it certainly wasn't the biggest budget. She doesn't drive, so even getting a new plant or a bag of fertiliser is a major expedition. However she was one of the most inspirational, positive and forward loking people I have ever met and her garden is one I can't wait to get back to. What she achieves in the environment in which she gardens put those of us with the gardening world at our fingetips to shame.
I came away feeling that maybe I had come to take it all for granted - a plant dies and I get another one. Chelsea comes and Chelsea goes. Maybe sometimes I forget to enjoy it and appreciate it? Something flowers in my garden and I don't even see it because I am not there at the time. That doesn't happen to Liz - her relaionship with her garden is different - She and her garden are dependent on each other - they get pleasure frm each others company and it shows.
Spending time with a group of gardeners, lecturing to the Lakeland Horticultural Society, and visiting a few gardens was just what I needed before Chelsea - To some it may sound like a Busman's holiday - guess I am just a dedicated Busman!

Through the egg timer..........

2010-04-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

As April draws to a close I feel as if I'm about to slip through the narrow bit in the middle of an egg timer. The day comes when you turn over a page in the diary and May appears on the next page - horror of horrors! All those things that could be put off until later can't anymore.
Chelsea meeting this morning discussing statues, bark chips, furniture, fabrics and all those bits and pieces that go to make up the rest of the exhibit apart from the planting. First tickets - the car park passes arrived too.
Spoke to Ricky this morning he seems happy with how things are going with the plants - now that the weather has cooled down. A few warm days after a long cold spell mean lots of work watering and keeping an eye on the show plants. Soft new foliage is particularly vulnerable and if damaged now will not recover in time for the show.
Outside the sun has been shining on the best display of magnolias for years. Early morning frosts have damaged the flowers on close inspection, but the display from a distance is breathtaking!

After a long soggy winter gardeners are starting to complain about the lack of rain - wonder if we'll have water restrictions by the time we get to Chelsea? Anyway, although its been pretty redundant to date the coldstore could come into its own any minute. The cold weather has certainly had a vernalising effect on spring flowering shrubs. As temperatures rise a little those buds quickly unfurl. Rhododendron Horizon Monarch in my garden is showing colour and the wisteria at Ampfield House is unfurling before your very eyes!

Uniform has arrived

2010-04-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

Excitement this morning as 3 big parcels arrive from Craghoppers with the uniform for the Chelsea Exhibit in it, an adventure ensues as we unpack, Gill and I fighting over the colours.

Aahhhhhh Sunshine!

2010-04-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

The sun's out at last, the temperatures are rising, the leaves unfurl. A couple of warm days and the garden landscape is transformed as green shoots appear, the magnolias bloom and the grass starts to grow. Just been to the nursery for a quick look at the show plants with Rick. The roses look great, the acers are now a cloud of tiny red, gold and emerald leaves, and the cornus buds are swelling. Ten huge Acacia dealbata are blooming, their fragrant fluffy yellow flowers perfect under the protection of glass. These weren't intended for the show - they're for another profile project - but they are so perfect for Moroccan Magic that I might try and borrow them for the show. Morocco looks as if its boundaries might need to be moved - with citrus, Cupressus sempervirens, olives, oleanders and masses of roses Morocco could be big.
Statues and urns have arrived too - they will certainly make an impact. Also pebbles, stone and aggregates from Borderstone are in the loading bay. As soon as these materials start to appear it is a firm reminder that there are only four weeks 'til we start on site.
Had a chat with Tim Redwood this week about the Venetian Palace - he seems confident and I know he'll come up with the goods. We tend to work the same way - there's no way it will be rehearsed in advance - we both believe that the one off originality and spontanaiety of build up produces the best results - that's our excuse anyway!
Photoshoot this morning - Garden Centre pics and a bit of modelling with the Craghoppers uniform - I love it - so Indiana Jones meets Crocodile Dundee - and why not? After all its suppposed to be about Adventures!
Chelsea meeting next week with the construction team - lots of details to sort. What about furniture, book sales tables, drapes for the palace? How will the paving work when it gets to the top of the slope? - Brian from organicstone was asking. The paving team are the ones to answer that.
Also sheduled for next week a meeting with Scotts - to discuss details of the Secret Garden Diary Room, the filming, web presence, car parks, hotels, tickets and all the other bits andpieces that no one sees but make it happen.

Spring cabbage..................

2010-03-29T07:32:00.001-07:00

Well, March is almost over and Spring is sort of here - at least the Daffodils are out. Still no reliable sunshine and snow forecast for this week! No wonder my broad beans still haven't germinated. Spring is definitely here in all those newspaper and magazine columns, where the Editor's journal has sent out the reminder that it's time to run a gardening article. They're still all on the Grow Your Own bandwagon, with mindblowing words of wisdom such as the earth shattering news that vegetable seeds are out selling flower seeds by 3 to 1, or was it 4 to 1? Anyway, it justified a run of paper article in the Daily T which included quotations from well-known gardening authorities like a spokesman from B&Q.

As always there has to be a down side in the Great British tradition - There is concern apparently that we are ignoring flowers and only growing veg. and the Sunday lunch table will be decorated with a bunch of onions instead of a fragrant posy.Get real - who has time for lunch let alone time to worry about flowers on the table!
As you can tell I'm getting into my cynical pre-Chelsea mood - ready for an onslaught of journalists demanding to know what's new in the way of plants and showing little interest in the other 3,498 others on the exhibit. we do have a couple of new ones: Digitalis 'Serendipity' and the really wonderful Philadelphus maculatus 'Sweet Clare'. The latter is a real winner but will be a bit of a challenge to get in flower for the show. Ricky has just dropped into the office and reports that the roses look good - best ever! As always they will need some light to get them at their best but at least they respond quickly!
Have just ordered tickets for the show - last orders were called to all concerned a week or so ago. From now on all sorts of characters appear from the woodwork requesting passes, imagining that they can be conjured up on a whim - it just does not work like that!
Gill and I have chosen the uniform - safari shirts this year - very Adventures in Gardening!- Sort of Indiana Jones meets the Happy Wanderer - Get the picture.
Think all of the design details bar one are now in place - Just the Venetian Palace to sort. Mehrdad at Quist has come up with a fab. glass and copper sculpture for my Ventian Adventure - gorgeous glass globes that resemble exotic fruits. I see it rising out of the dark feather like foliage of Sambucus 'Black Lace' and the rich orange blooms of Rosa 'Pat Austin'perhaps with a puff of sapphire Ceanothus 'Concha'. - Nice to dream about that one - all my ceanothus are black as your hat after last winter - Oh for some sunshine!

From Russia with Love............

2010-03-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

Only a week ago I was in Moscow lecturing at The Moscow Home and Garden Show 2010 - what a great experience. I met Sergey at Chelsea last year and he invited me to be the overseas guest at this year's show - you never know where Chelsea is going to take you. The thought of going to Russia and lecturing through an interpreter was a little daunting, but after a few words of encouragement from David Domoney who did it last year I couldn't wait to get there! The Moscow weather might be cold - still a good depth of snow on the ground - but the welcome could not have been warmer. The show is young - only three years old. It is held in The Crocus exhibition centre - very modern - a bit like the NEC but more up to date. The Home and Garden show consists of four areas - Aqua Spa, Wooden House, Fireplace and Garden. It is a little like a hybrid between a trade show and a public event and of course being indoors in the winter it has a very different feeling from your typical English flower show - more like one of the North American shows. The event provides a showcase for garden designers and there are around 20+ small show gardens. There is little plant material available, so houseplants and artificial flowers are allowed to create the effect.

It would be easy to be dismissive about the gardens compared with those at a British show like Chelsea, but I couldn't help but think back to shows of 20+ years ago at Earl's Court and the rather more basic things we did in those days. Many of the Russian ideas were conceptual and highly original and the enthusiasm and passion was excouraging and humbling.
My lecturing experience endorsed my feelings about the whole event. Enthusiastic young designers in a young market and industry in a country which has been able to have little interest in the garden market until now. The passion for knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject was overwhelming - as was the realisation of how lucky we are not least of all because of our climate and the wealth of plant material available to us.

I shall never again moan that the winter has killed my phormiums and damaged my cistus. If the only evergreens you have to work with are a few conifers and deciduous shrubs are limited to a dozen common subjects, and you can still long to create beautiful gardens, then what should we be capable of?
Some who read this, if anyone does, may cringe when I say that I found the whole experience quite emotional. For the lectures I had a truly wonderful interpreter - Anastasya from St Petersberg who was a garden designer and horticulturist and she enabled me to get my message easily across to the 120 or so delegates. However even outside the lectures the language was not a barrier - even though I now speak only 5 words of Russian and many I spent time with spoke little English. However as often happens in the wonderful world of gardening there is a bond between the souls, an understanding that we all appreciate each others interests and share each others passion to create something to please others. It's quite difficult to express in words - perhaps that is why the language is somehow unimportant.
And what about Chelsea - well its been on hold and now its back to business. As soon as we get to the middle of March there seem to be horribly few pages in the diary between me and the event - so here goes.............

What a difference a day made

2010-03-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

A glorious sunny day yesterday and for once I got it right - I was out amongst the plants taklking to customers. Our Cash and Carry Open day at Sunningdale - a chance to talk to landscapers and designers about plants. I was extolling the virtues of Philadelphus maculatus 'Sweet Clare' - hopefully to be shown and launched at Chelsea. I have had this wonderful plant in my garden (referred to previously by us as Philadelphus mexicanus - not sure where that came from!) for a few years now. It makes an arching rounded shrub up to 1.2 metres in height with fine stems and tiny silvery-green leaves. The blooms are carrried all along the branches in June (so will have to coax it forward for Chelsea). They hang face down like dainty white doves giving a delightful effect. The fragrance is heavy and delicious and stronger than any other mock orange I know. Needless to say after I had raved on about this plant I sold lots, and went away knowing that I have introduced a new plant that these gardeners will be passionate about - and one that will never disappoint.

Talking planting combinations and a bit about plans for Chelsea got me excited about the exhibit - must admit other things have taken my mind off it over the past couple of weeks. The only approach now is to stay calm and gradually chip away at the details - where the various features that I have not yet organised are coming from, how to tackle the practicalities of levels and construction. Today I had a session with Stu talking about electrics, lighting and the square pond. He came up with a great solution of how to construct the blue pond and suddenly it all seemed so simple. Mehrdad is now on the case with a creation inspired by Murano Glass. Tom the sculptor is on the case with my slate monoliths to sit alongside his sculpture. Next I need to get on and order the building.
As for the plants - I know Ricky will have everything well under control now he has an idea of what we are looking for in the various areas.

February, Filming and Final Decisions

2010-02-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

I love January, its a long month and offers plenty of opportunity for procrastination. It's still winter; spring, Chelsea and all the rest of it are a long way off and there seems little need to panic. Suddenly its all over and time to step up the action.

This week - GMG press day at the RHS Hall Vincent Square. London. I love this event because its a chance to meet up with lots of friends in the industry and gardening media but it also has the slightly unnerving aspect that you reveal your plans for Chelsea, wondering what anyone will actually think of it all.

We took The Secret Garden Diary Room to the show and invited growers, writers and anyone with a bit of advice to impart to take to The Throne of Knowledge and be filmed for the eb site. After a couple of shy refusals the flood gates opened and there was no stopping them - everyone loved it, and I must say the initial mock up of what it will look like on the web looks great. Relief all round!

The Throne of Knowledge is actually a Peacock chair - you know one of those cane numbers that were so popular in a certain kind of film in the 70s.. Haven't got around to painting it yet - think we will go for peacock blue - maybe with a purple fur cushion - I fancy a little divine decadence.

All the excitement this week precipitated further action on Friday - I decided on buildings, statuary, pathway and water features. A plan on paper actually started to take shape with a lot of help from Gill's autocad skills.

The Moroccan building has metamorphosed into a Venetian Palace - Tim Redwood from Redwood Stone is on the case. Organic Stone have cone up with some fabulous paving - called Divine it lives up to its name. As ever their photography and press material are superb and arrived in time for Thursday's press event.

Lots more decisions in the coming week. Main priority now has to be the plants - Ricky still waiting for a list from me - has to happen this week without fail - but then, I said that last week...

Press Release now available

2010-02-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

Adventures in Gardening PRESS RELEASE now available - here You might have to 'right click' and 'Save target as'

Adventures in Gardening

2010-01-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

Sneak preview for you on this years exhibit

The Road to Adventure

2010-01-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Well, its nearly the end of January - where did that one go? It disappeared under a snow drift, and with it all my good intentions of being ahead of the Chelsea game. That's not strictly true - I have managed to progress the plan and get most of the main building materials lined up. I know Ricky is on the case with plants - at some point I need to get together with him to explain the themes of the exhibit a little further - as ever they have moved on as plans progress!
Anyway - this year's theme: Adventures in Gardening. Where did that one come from? Well during a talk at our Sunningdale garden centre Gary, our manager said that I had made gardening sound like an adventure, - I loved the idea so the Chelsea theme was born. That's often how it happens - on the spur of the moment.
This year I am teaming up with The Scotts Miracle-Gro company. Both of us want a different angle and way of relaying our message to gardeners. An integral part of the exhibit will be the Secret Garden, or "Diary Room" as it has become known. Here gardeners will be able to give their gardening tips to help other gardeners or ask questions of the experts. These pearls of wisdom will be captured on short videos which will form a library of real gardening advice from real gardeners. Visitors will be able to watch the action in the Diary Room through a window in the garden pavilion at the front of the exhibit, or watch it on a TV screen - clever eh? Just got to make it happen.
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Anyway the rest of the exhibit is a road to adventure across White Water, through Indian Intrigue,past Moroccan Magic to Venetian Adventure coming to rest amidst Sylvan Spirit. Its really all about putting plants together in an adventurous way in inspiring settings. The objective being to encourage the gardener to jump in and have a go without worrying about what's right or wrong.
As for accessories - I've got a lovely big Indian goddess, an incredible slate sculpture by Tom Stogden, a fantastic Scandinavian outdoor room by Hillhout, and Divine paving by Organic Stone. Went to visit them on Monday - full of enthusiasm and ideas as ever - Paving based on Golden Section - Sacred Geometry- magic beneath your feet! Tim Redwood thinking about Moroccan architecture and need to speak to Mehrdad about Venetian Glass - have masks for the ball already!

Today's effort - started to wory about forklifts, black polythene and so on and bought a cane Peacock chair on the internet for £10 - The Diary Room is starting to get very interesting and imaginations in the office are going wild. Chelsea is underway.
Next the focus moves to Trade Open Days on the nursery - designed to inspire our customers and let them know what we are up tothis year The theme - You've guessed it - Adventures in Gardening - Let the journey begin!

Chelsea Flower Show 2010 - planning has started

2010-01-14T05:10:00.000-08:00

keep visiting here for up to the minute news, plans and pics!

Descent to normality - The epilogue

2009-05-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

It's the Tuesday after Chelsea and already the show seems a lifetime away. I can't believe that only two weeks ago only the trees were on site, and the garden was only a few lines on a sheet of paper and a heap of materials.

So much has happened in the past week and we all try to remember it all to little avail. "Was that last wednesday or Thursday?" - can't remember - it doesn't matter anyway. So many people pass through our Chelsea world in the space of a few days - all outside their normal environment. Here celebrities, gardeners, Royals, friends and relatives are all the same. Reminds me of that famous Dickens piece about the same wind blowing across the peasant's patch that blows across the nobleman's - can't really remember that properly either.

"Was Chelsea good"?, "Did you get the Gold?" - have been asked that a few times in the past few days. The answer to both is yes. Both the staging experience and the show itself were fantastic. I hate leaving it all behind - I feel as it I've left a part of me there in the Pavilion when I walk away from it at the end of the show.

I'm lucky - I don't have to do the demolition. Ricky and the clearing crew took care of that on Sunday. Today was clearing up the odds and ends - The war torn remains that come home and need to be dealt with.

Piles of e mails await attention - amongst them greetings, congratulations and salutations. These I want to read - to hang on to - they are the remains of Chelsea 2009 and I'm not ready to let go yet. Perhaps its time to move on and start thinking about next year? - Do I have an idea for Chelsea 2010 ? - Well, you'll have to wait and see.

64th Consecutive Gold Medal!

2009-05-19T03:06:00.000-07:00

An early start for Ricky, Mark and Ellie (with not a little apprehension during the taxi ride!) who were on the exhibit at 7am to open up. The team from Hampshire had beaten them to it, and had unloaded the magazines and headed off for breakfast already.

But the fantastic news was that we have been awarded our 64th consecutive Chelsea Gold Medal - Mark sent me a text at 7am to give me the good news, which was very welcome.

8am - and busy start - loads of interest from the public, which is always great to receive - the themes of the exhibit really seem to have struck a chord.

Ricky works his magic with Alan and Carol who enjoy their visit - i dont know how he does it. I'm writing this on the exhibit now at 11am, and its packed with visitors, so time for me to stop writing and start talking - Enjoy the Show!

Monday - Press Day

2009-05-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Frantic action this morning as we rush around the exhibit cleaning, tidying, and sweeping ready for the press launch at 11am, and the judging at 2pm. The press lauch was exceptional - with a great turnout and some wonerful compliments; not only about the garden, but my new book as well (Losing the Plot, in case you missed it).

The Queen arrived on the exhibit later and was very complimentary - always a pleasure!

Now we prepare for the Gala Evening, and as for tomorrow - the thing that really matters; the public - i cant wait!

Subdued Sunday?

2009-05-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning started bright and fairly warm with a modest little breakfast at our usual cafe. Glad I went for the lighter option - scrambled eggs(about half a dozen), a few rashers of bacon and a ton of mushrooms washed down with an ocean of tea. A good start to the day before embarking on the homeward straight.

Although I am always quite relieved to get to this stage its always rather sad that the fun creative part is nearly over. The worst part is the team breaking up at the end of the day. We become very close in these few days working on the exhibit and it seems as if we have worked together as a team for a few years rather than a few days.

One tends to forget that the show is still to come and there is still the marathon of Press Day, Royals, and Gala night to get through before the curtain rises on Chelsea 2009.

At this time I always think that this is the best exhibit we have ever done, whether I will feel the same at the end of the week remains to be seen.

However, although I say it myself, it is brilliant and that's thanks entirely to The Hillier Chelsea Team - a bunch of incredibly talented individuals that weave their magic in The Great Pavilion. We could not have achieved it without any single one of them, especially the stage management Neil and Nigel who manage the construction, the logistics, loading, unloading and party arrangements.

And of course the other important element of Chelsea - the plants - what can I say Mr Dorlay you've done it again!

Now, I've got an idea for next year.............................

But for now - have a look at all the pictures of the finished exhibit - click here

Sambuca Saturday

2009-05-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Friday night was fun - visited an old haunt - Benitos retaurant on Earls Court Road - greeted like long lost family menu and quality just the same. Should have gone straight home but tempted to a club for a nightcap - bit of a bop and a few shots of Sambuca - Neil was entirely responsible for a few hangovers - well done Neil! Great night - it wouldn't be the same without a Hillier moment in a dodgy club.

Today flew by - staging - photos for magazine - captions - interruptions. Everyone beavered away and order came out of chaos. Space hoppers and bird boxes are the highlights and will be more in demand than anything else at the show.

Actually Mehrdad's glass and copper sculpture is a show stealer - perfectly co-ordinated with the planting - luck or judgement? who knows - more tomorrow.........................