Exhibitors
Small Gardens
Hewitt Landscapes Ltd
Check Mate
Designer: Jeffery Hewitt
Sponsors: Various private sponsors
Contractor: Hewitt Landscapes Ltd
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This small courtyard garden harks back in time using traditional materials in a formal setting. Check mate is a whimsical reference to the chequer-board effect made with squares of flint, helxine (a moss-like plant) and chamomile. The ‘chess pieces’ are bluey-grey-leaved agaves.
Tudor bricks laid in a herringbone pattern form the central path down which runs a rill that leads the eye to the centrepiece of the garden, a flint alcove containing a small water basin. The water runs from the basin to the bottom of the rill and is then recycled back up to the basin. A small seat offers a place to rest, relax and enjoy the sound of water and the sight and scent of flowers and plants. The ridge-tile wall is softened with crisp white roses.
Borders further soften the landscaping with their rhythmic pattern of purples, blue-greys and silver. Flint is not often used in gardens these days as the ancient art of knapping (splitting) them is dying out and laying the irregular shapes involves an expert eye.
Designer Jeffrey Hewitt (originally from Tasmania, Australia) displayed an entrepreneurial streak aged 13 when he began growing and selling chrysanthemums.