Exhibitors
Courtyard gardens
Capability Chris
Shinglesea
Designer: Chris O'Donoghue
Sponsors: Robert Patch Furniture, 1066 Country, Merriments Gardens, Travis Perkins, John Jempson & Son
Contractor: Capability Chris
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In the early 20th century, redundant Victorian railway carriages were installed along the coast near Rye in East Sussex as holiday homes. Shinglesea is inspired by these holiday homes and aims to capture the atmosphere of the 1930s when the pace of life was less hurried. It will provide a haven, away from the bustle of 21st century life.
The garden recreates a ‘seaside’ scene, with drought-resistant plants growing through a shingle mulch. The side of a railway carriage forms the background of the garden, with a tin-roofed veranda for shelter and sempervivums growing in the folds of the metal. Authentic period carriage handles have been loaned by the local Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway. A split chestnut fence, garlanded with ‘hagstones’, (beach pebbles with holes), encloses the garden and a driftwood path leads up to the front door. A small wood clinker-built dinghy lies in the garden awaiting repair - one day.
The plants have been chosen to suit the location and to be easily cared for, requiring little or no maintenance. Most are chosen for their structure but overall have a wide flowering period, from late spring to autumn. The colour scheme is red, through pink to white with a blaze of red Papaver rhoeas centre stage, with Briza media and Stipa gigantea growing through to give lightness and height. Cynara cardunculus and Crambe maritima give height and structure while Armeria, Santolina and geraniums provide mounds of shape and colour. Between the timber steps of the path, thymes and Erigeron are planted with Festuca glauca brushing the edge of the path.
This is designer Chris O’Donoghue’s first time at Chelsea.