Chelsea reflections 2016
The exhibits at RHS flowershows may not necessarily be designed with the average back yard in mind but they nevertheless illustrate some useful design techniques that can be employed in any garden. Here are a few reflections from Chelsea:-
Water water everywhere
It seems that no show garden can have that wow factor without some form of water feature. And it is true that water can add a special dimension. But while a large pool, waterfall or rill can be truly impressive, big is not necessarily always best. My favourite this year was Cleve West's shallow scoops made in boulders....an accident apparently.
It's above you
Is is bird? is it a plane?....no it's a pergola (or other overhead structure). The effect of having some kind of 'ceiling' above us in the garden provides a subtle psychological link with the feeling we get from being inside and makes for a comfortable, familiar experience. It can be the canopy of a small tree but a built structure is even better at providing a transitional space between in and out.
Going down...and up
Changes in level are common features of Chelsea gardens. That may have something to do with thoughful designers making it easier for us to get a good view but in the real world even small ups and downs, just a couple of steps here or there, can add a great deal of interest as you move from one area to another.
Multi-stem
Standard trees, with the classic trunk and round head beloved of children, are a rarity at Chelsea. The favoured tree form amongst designers is the multi-stem and its is not difficult to see why. They are just more characterful and interesting....although there is still of course a place for standards.
Arid
Dry style gardens are on the up. In some cases these were conceptual or designed to portray a particular region, such a the South of France, but nevertheless several illustrated nicely how good a sparsely populated planting scheme set amongst gravel can look.
Contrast is king
Whatever the garden, an essential element is always contrast, whether that be rough and smooth, light and shade or dense and airy....
