M&G Garden 2013

We talk to Roger Platts about the inspiration behind this year's M&G garden...

The M&G Centenary Garden – ‘Windows through Time’

Sponsored by M&G Investments

Designed by Roger Platts

Roger Platts not only has a clutch of gold medals to show for his many Chelsea gardens, but also a Best Show Garden and a People’s Choice Award. He admits that he is less daunted by Chelsea these days, but this year, he has set himself the challenge of making a garden for M&G that celebrates 100 years of Chelsea garden design, to mark the Centenary of the Show.

One hundred years of Chelsea garden design, that’s quite a feat to get into one garden, isn’t it?

It is, but it doesn’t represent everything that’s happened in that time. I’ve taken elements of different Chelsea gardens over the years. The front of the garden is more contemporary, and there is a subtle transition through to the rear of the garden, which represents garden styles gone by. I’d say that the modern part forms 10-15% of the garden, as does the historical section at the back, the rest in the centre is timeless and comprises around 75% of the total space and that holds everything together.

What was the brief from M&G?

They wanted to celebrate the Centenary with a very British garden that visitors would enjoy, relate to and be inspired by, with lots of lovely planting - something they would want to take home with them. I think the public will be drawn in particular to the wildlife pond, the summerhouse and certainly some of the planting combinations.

What do you think has changed about the show most over the years?

The gardens have become much more sophisticated. Improvements in technology, equipment and materials have made a big difference. And architecture has changed, which is reflected at Chelsea. Generally people have more disposable income than they did in the first half of the last century so the visitor base has widened – in the early days it was the head gardeners of the big gardens, but now it’s more a show for everybody.

Which aspects of Chelsea Flower Show do you most enjoy?

Putting the planting together. I love creating planting spaces and Chelsea gives me the opportunity to do that in a very short space of time.

Is there anything about your garden that reflects the philosophy of M&G?

Well I do for a start! I’m a well-established British garden designer and horticulturalist, traditional in my work and I’ve had plenty of experience of Chelsea. I’m also interested in a long-term approach to garden design. I think this mirrors M&G, which is a well-established British company with a long-term approach to investment. The M&G garden is traditional with recurring trends that have stood the test of time, and that exactly reflects the company’s values as well.

I read that you suffer withdrawal symptoms if you miss a few Chelseas. How often do you think you should do the show if you want to avoid the dreaded DTs?

I think a gap of two or three years is probably the most I should stay away.

That means a sponsor needs to approach you next for the 2016 show?

Yes, mind you I might want a slightly quieter life by then, but who knows, show fever is pretty hard to shrug off!

 

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