Exhibitors
Roof gardens New for 2007
Acorn Garden Design
Ad astra per aspera (To the stars through adversity)
Designer: Wayne Richards (Acorn Garden Design)
Sponsor: Acorn Garden Design
Contractor: Brittaine Landscapes
Click on the images to view a hi-res version
This is a rooftop observatory designed to pursue an interest in astronomy in a relaxed garden setting. Ad astra per aspera is a fusion of the classical with the contemporary and utilises modern matierials to overome the challenging rooftop environment.
An elliptical deck runs diagonally across the rooftop, darkly stained and impregnated with optical fibre lights to resemble the sky at night. Tails of planting flow out behind illuminated hemispheres that represent planets. A seating area to observe the stars is back by a contemporary colonnade. At the margin, planting billows indicative of the celestial firmament.
The garden designer, Wayne Richards, says that a green roof improves stormwater management by reducing immediate water run-off by up to 90 percent. Green roofs provide habitats that encourage wildlife within built-up areas and also cool and humidify the surrounding area, benefitting the local microclimate. They also reduce carbon emissions, pollution and noise levels.
This is Wayne’s first time at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. He previously exhibited at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, where he was awarded a Gold Medal.