For me ‘Best in Show’ this year was the ‘After the fire’ garden in the Fresh Gardens category. There have been discussions, kicked off by Christopher Bradly-Hole, about the fairness of having such a term, as how can you compare gardens whose briefs are so different? ‘Best in Show’ for me is simply the garden that excites me most and moves me and whose inspirational ideas and design will stay in my head for years to come.
I just loved the sculptural quality of this garden,
where the burnt gnarly sticks and the floppy Acacia dealbata trees and seedlings gave a loose and airy feel to the whole design,
while it was grounded by mounds of myrtle, tree heathers (Erica arborea), lavenders, thyme and Asphodelus fistolosus (the perennial above with lovely delicate white flowers-seeds available from Chiltern Seeds). Designer James Basson of Scape Design lives and works in the South of France and his garden is based on how areas regenerate themselves after forest fires. Seeds were collected in the S. of France from some of the grasses and grown on for the show by Kelways, who also sourced and grew the rest of the plants for this garden. Dedication that really paid off.
I never really got the chance to have a good look at Chris Beardshaw’s garden, as every time I wandered by, the area was roped off for filming. But snatched glimpses did reveal exuberant planting and joyful use of colour and textures.
Adam Frost’s garden for Homebase didn’t have the same high-octane appeal, but I loved seeing fruit and veg amongst the perennials. You could even pick enough rhubarb for a crumble without destroying the design!
These pleached Field Maples (Acer campestre) were truly arresting on the Brewin Dolphin garden, where the Robert Myers concentrated on using native plants.
And I loved these upright oaks (Quercus fastigiata ‘Koster’) in the Ulf Nordfjell garden too. Perfect for a small London Garden in need of a bit of height and drama!
I always come away from Chelsea, and Hampton Court for that matter, feeling slightly overwhelmed and sure that I’ve missed a chunk of the show. This year I didn’t get to explore the floral marquee as much as I’d have liked to, but still, plenty of plants really caught my eye. This blousey double rose, Princess Anne from David Austin, is a gorgeous repeat flowerer,
and the combo of Gertrude Jekyll and Tuscany Superb was also rather sumptuous. I was discussing my increasing interest in roses with another gardener after the show, and he said it was because I was getting older-and I think he may be right! Not quite sure why this is though-am I yearning to recreate some faux bucolic bliss or am I need of more colour and scent as the years fly by or is it just that my tastes are becoming more traditional (and conservative) ?
And my final pic of the post is of this lovely shade loving Maianthemum aff. flexuosum from Crug Farm plants. Know the perfect spot for this plant already.
If you’re having Chelsea withdrawal symptoms, don’t panic! There’s plenty more to see from The Chelsea Fringe which continues until June 9th. Here’s a list of great events happening this week all over London. And come and join us this Sunday 2nd June for tea and cake (and loads more) in Finsbury Park.
Out of my shed 
Yes a category such as Best in Show is so subjective that it can’t be fair.
I love your Chelsea images and for reminding me of the rose ‘Tuscany Superb’. I planted it here many years ago and haven’t seen it for a while. Last autumn in a major pruning session I found two roses smothered by shrubs and honeysuckle. I rescued both, pruned them hard and re-planted them in new beds. Both look healthy and one is full of buds and I await the blooms with some excitement it may be ‘Tuscany Superb’.
Hi Sue, How exciting to excavate roses in the garden. Hope your Tuscany Superb reappears!
Great to share your perspective on Chelsea. There is always too much to see. I was there 8am to 8pm and still missed a number of the gardens, including “After the Fire”. Too much time in the great pavilion squinting at name tags. Agree about the Maianthemum – I have that one ear-marked too!
Thanks Dan! Enjoyed seeing your top ten plants from Chelsea too. There’s never enough time to see it all, although I admire your staying power to last a whole 12 hours! Looking forward to Hampton Court, although I feel a visit to Crug Farm Plants in Wales coming on this summer.
Enjoyed your images and description. I too find myself becoming more interested in roses, enjoyed a day at David Austin’s last November, and am much more confident about pruning as a result. Tuscany Superb now on to plant list. Would absolutely have loved to join you on June 2, (daughter lives in Finsbury Park) but have a family do up north.
Hi Anne, Thanks for your comments. You’ve spurred me on to arrange a visit to David Austin, especially while all the roses are in glorious bloom. Sorry not to be seeing you on the 2nd. Looks like we might have a bit of sun on the day too-hurrah!
Ha, roses always get you in the end! Lovely to see your photos, especially as I missed the After the Fire garden too. I’m so glad I’m not the only one who leaves these shows feeling that I’ve missed something (either that, or on my knees with exhaustion!). Sorry we didn’t bump into each other. Next time, I hope.
Hi Helen, hoping to go to Hampton Court on the Tuesday this summer. See you there? I think it was Mark Diacono who wrote that you really need 2 days to do Hampton Court Show justice, as it is even bigger than Chelsea……May need to do some stamina training! N x
Amazing planting and sculpture in Chris Beardshaw’s garden and also the best garden theme for me as it had real meaning. A pity you couldn’t see part of the garden. It poured with rain when I went there (Friday) and so it was a little hard to appreciate the show gardens when you are trudging round wearing a free plastic mac emblazoned with an investment bank logo and avoiding getting umbrella spokes in your eyes. I remember the After the Fire garden but mainly for it being orange and wet unfortunately! The garden with the leather walls with flowers embroidered on it was a surprise as it worked so well in reality as compared with the TV. The Great Pavilion is my favourite place actually and so great to meet the growers and chat. Had a wonderful day despite the rain.
Hi Claire, the rain can dampen your spirits but glad you had a good day. Good reason to spend longer in the floral marquee I reckon.
Your fringe event was so nice, I took away two seed bombs to throw in Finsbury Park and two free plants for the pots outside the Art Club door. Thanks to all your volunteers and neighbours.
Hi Anne, Thanks for your email. Delighted you enjoyed the afternoon. V.best Naomi