Foreign & Colonial Investments’ Garden

Sponsored by

Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust

Designed by

Thomas Hoblyn

Built by

The Outdoor Room

Web

http://www.fandc.co.uk/chelsea

Candide’s final words in Voltaire’s satire Candide, ou l’Optimisme are "… il faut cultiver nôtre jardin" implying that the only way to reach fulfilment is through hard work. The 18th century French classic is the inspiration behind the Foreign & Colonial Investments’ Garden.

The field-like layout of the garden is suggestive of the Turkish smallholding where Candide’s famous words were spoken. The pools and scalloped flowform mimic the river that wrecks his canoe upon entry to El Dorado, and the stone-clad planted walls symbolise the steep cliffs that surround it.

Love interest Cunégonde is depicted in the sculpture series, representing Candide’s lusty thoughts during his trans-global pursuit of her.

The garden has been developed in partnership with Homebase, who are supplying all planting and accessories for the garden.