Tuesday 15 May 2012

Chelsea Show Inspiring and cultivated Plant Fest 2012.


How to cultivate Chelsea Dreams. The Chelsea Show runs for a week from May 22-26 2012. For, top, hot Chelsea garden style tips read on...For inspiring, unique, of the moment, garden design advice and landscape design and bespoke architecture design advice and help for your project to save you time and money, ring 01892 82200; or email us at; charmaine@landvision.co.uk

Gardens and landscapes are places for being distracted in, for escaping to, unwinding in, for being yourself. Relaxing, re grouping and beautiful places; somewhere where you can turn off from the demands of everyday life, socialise with family and friends.

If you are aiming to go to the Chelsea show this year- what will you be looking for? It is worth having a think about what is missing from your garden and where you want your garden to go this year... How do you want it to develop it in the ways you want so that it is truly your space to enjoy.

What do you need to find out about? There will be missing plants, perhaps a special specimen tree, exotic (or native) shrubs or especially colourful flowers. Whatever the aspects of the show gardens that appeal to you, they would enhance your enjoyment of your space- a lamp perhaps- or even garden lights, a pond, some particular types of plants- flowers for bees and butterflies...or unusual, special colours of flowers and fragrances. Take a note book and a pencil and remember to jot down any plants or aspects of design that you really like. Would you like to keep bees perhaps, make your own honey to grow your own cut flowers for your house and friends or produce your own fruit for the neighbourhood?

This is where the Chelsea show really excels- it showcases design talent and types of plant breeding (family fruit trees for small gardens for example), garden products and special plant varieties- these are the details that make the essence of the garden that is yours for keeps.

Where we are in life...is sometimes a result of the surrounding sea of life...a randomness that takes us with the flow, to where it wants - not always where we want to go...but to travel hopefully...So,...at the show, try to let yourself go with the flow for the whole day. Try to take in the colours and sounds and excitement of the garden, like its a teenage Pop Fest and you are that age again!

It will be exciting and yes, a bit exhausting too, hard on your feet and on your eyes and ears. But,  unless you thrive on the buzz of the crowd- like at pop festivals you will not truly love this experience. Let the gardens try to speak to you, try to hear what they are saying.

The message you come away with is what you will need to hang on to. Then you can try to replicate this in your own unique way in your own space; whether that is a communal garden or a private space of yours alone- a tiny balcony of pot plants and colour or a healthy, physic style herb garden, rolling acres of lawns or a cosy semi detached front and back garden. Whatever your plot, there's a unique design waiting for you.

Take a few top, hot Chelsea show style tips from Land vision designers;

Firstly, try to take a note of your favourite gardens at the show - their style and the very essence of how they make you feel- This is the style that appeals to you and therefore one that we/you might try to replicate in your own plot.
If you have only a small garden, take a look at the small plots in more detail - they will show you what can be achieved in the smallest of spaces.
A word of caution though; don't overcrowd the plot (more is generally less.) Be choosy, selective; do not gild the lily.
If you have a large garden, lucky you..It is worthwhile for you to be looking at the larger plots at the show, as well as some of the smaller ones and choosing favourite colours schemes, styles..
What elements “make” certain gardens special to you? Some may use statues, or features such as steps, an urn or a seat. 
What do you really want to do in your garden? What feeling do you need to take from your garden? To use it for? recreation- active or passive?
Is there something missing that you would really like to add? This could be privacy or it could be a theme- a Japanese garden, or it could be a rockery and alpines? A wildlife garden? The world is your oyster. 
Maybe design a Canadian garden- with lots of autumn “fall” colours and a lake. This can then be used for irrigation in dry weather- doubly useful. Try thinking sustainably.
Where you see something you really like, try to remember to make a note of it- Make a note of at least three things that you would like to do, so you do make a difference to your garden this year.
If you need help or advice, Landvision's team of experts have completed literally several hundreds of different gardens and projects, of every style imaginable. So, if you have a garden or landscape project enquiry, or you would like some advice, please ring Charmaine on 01892 782200 or email us at;
charmaine@landvision.co.uk to arrange to see our portfolio and for a bespoke garden/landscape visit; ring/email Ian or Charmaine at Landvision UK today for a little piece of Chelsea magic of your own.