Exhibitors
SHOW GARDENS | WATER GARDENS | SMALL GARDENS | CONCEPTUAL GARDENS
INSPIRING SPACES | WINDOWBOXES & HANGING BASKETS
PLANTS | GROWING & SHOWING MARQUEE | MARKET PLACE
Small gardens
Hadlow College
Full Frontal
Designer: Heidi Harvey and Fern Alder
Contractor: Mick Collins (Hadlow College)
Click on the images to view a hi-res version
Hadlow College’s garden design for Hampton Court this year was inspired by the RHS Front Garden Campaign which illustrated that it is possible to have flowers and plants as well as parking space in a front garden without the need for concrete. The design also supports the college’s sustainability agenda which encourages people to use materials from sustainable sources in garden design and landscaping and take responsibility for the environment around them.
The Full Frontal garden uses materials which will minimise surface water run-off, help prevent flooding and improve the water table by allowing water to permeate through and benefit the planting. This concept ties into the college’s overall strategy for sustainability including working with the Chicago Climate Exchange. In support of this, the design incorporates bicycles to help promote green transport and a healthy lifestyle. The result is an aesthetically pleasing garden which is not only practical but encourages wildlife and improves the look of the neighbourhood.
The garden is a small front garden area of 6.5 x 4.5 metres, incorporating two permeable aggregate trackways for a car. There is a weather-boarded ground floor façade of the house giving the backdrop to the garden, and the front path is also of permeable aggregate, allowing water to penetrate rather than rapidly run-off. A metal grid runs across part of the garden covering two sunken channels in which shade-loving plants are growing and which provide a dark and shady place for insects and small animals such as toads. The grid continues up into a curve on the left hand bed of the garden providing height and a support for climbing plants. This will provide a place for birds to alight and shelter. Areas of pebbles allow free drainage while giving a hard durable surface that can be planted in places.
The planting plan uses plants that do not need watering once established, eg: Macleaya, Eschscholzia, Sempervivum, thyme, oregano, ivy and Ajuga. The majority of the plants are selected to be attractive to bees, butterflies and other insects, as well as providing food and shelter to other wildlife. Plants in the area around the metal grid and the car parking are tough, able to withstand light amounts of trampling and recover rapidly. The two channels under the metal grid provide an environment for plants that enjoy shade and a cool root run such as epimediums and ferns. The colour scheme works around the contrast of blues and rosy purples with orange and yellow. The garden will be rebuilt in the College Broadview Gardens that are formally open to the public. Hadlow College’s 2006 RHS silver medal-winning garden CaCo3 is currently being rebuilt at the college.
Both Heidi Harvey and Fern Alder have exhibited at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show before. Heidi’s first career was as a graphic designer and illustrator. After taking a career break to have her three children, Heidi enrolled at Hadlow College on a garden design degree course. Since qualifying (in summer 2005 with a first-class degree) Heidi has worked as a landscape designer for Cracknell. In the last few months Heidi has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and although she will be having a less prominent role in the show she is still hoping to be as involved as she can. Her aim is to promote a positive image to fellow cancer suffers.
Fern Alder says, “Apparently I took my very first steps in Kew Gardens – ‘the die was cast’. One way or another I have always been involved with plants and gardens. Now with the benefit of a formal training in garden design, I hope to create spaces which will inspire others to enjoy my passion for plants, gardens and outdoor spaces.”