Exhibitors
Courtyard gardens
Moving Spaces
Moving On…
Designers: Teresa Davies, Steve Putnam and Samantha Hawkins
Sponsor: Warner Breaks
Contractor: Moving Spaces
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This garden belongs to a couple who have downsized from an agricultural background. Moving On… is a traditional, easily maintained garden, which is both productive and pretty. It reflects the couple’s Victorian terraced cottage, the changing climates and the needs of the 21st century. Capturing modern and environmental issues, this sustainable garden mirrors traditional values using terracotta, wood and wattle.
The garden is viewed from the cottage and there is an original brick wall boundary at the rear, which forms part of the privy. The privy has been lovingly restored with reclaimed timber and is now used as a utility area. A rendered brick wall surrounds a circular seating area and provides a raised bed to the back of the garden.
The drought tolerance of plants has been considered in this garden as climate change has reduced rainfall in the area. Plants such as succulents and lavenders feature and the garden includes organic straw mulch.
A willow obelisk near the cottage provides height, structure and balance and memorabilia, such as a tin bath, wooden racks, seed trays and a traditional rake, act as planters or plant supports. A Len Gifford orignal bronze sculpture The Kissing Heads, one of the couple’s most treasured possessions, is also used as a planter. A second Len Gifford creation, a bronze make, is hidden among climbers on the wall. The elegent beauty of the bronze contrasts with the more rugged appearance of an old galanvized watering can.
The three designers, Teresa Davies, Steve Putnam and Samantha Hawkins, met while studying the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture at Merrist Wood College, Guildford. Covering three generations, the team come from very different backgrounds. This is their first time at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and they say that exhibiting at the world-famous flower show is a dream come true.