Conceptual Garden for Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2011:
It's been a long 18 days building with lots of ups and downs - weather wise we had everything - rain, wind, blistering heat, more rain and beautiful sun for the last few days. Mid week was a low point when panic set in and I really didn't think I was going to get it finished - I had that sick feeling and didn't sleep for 3 nights. However, my family came up trumps and all piled in from every angle: my Mum came and helped paint on the 2 hottest days of the year and has been all around everywhere finding bits and pieces that I have needed, my Dad came up and laid turf and cleared rubbish, Charlie shifted rubble and soil, my sister painted and encouraged - and most importantly they appreciated and shared in what I was doing which helps spread the load!
My builders, John-William and his dad Bill, worked tirelessly - often on site for 12 hour days, the plasterers didn't leave until they were happy that they had achieved a perfect finish - even working weekends. All in all, I had a great team who helped me get the garden together. I left the site this afternoon with it ready for the discerning team of RHS judges tomorrow morning. Here are some photos of the finished garden. Now I can relax a little I can start the enjoy the show - it's such a stunning place to have been working (although I often forgot that when exhaustion set in) - but it is a privilege to be a part of such an awesome show!
For anyone who doesn't know the background of the garden - it's an outdoor art gallery where planting compositions have been inspired by the following artists: Monet, Hockney, Rousseau, Kandinsky, Mondrian and Hirst...
At one remove, it will be exciting to hear what the judges think. Would love to see it in life!
ReplyDeletegood luck with judging, looks great, looking forward to seeing it in person tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! It looks fantastic. Well done. LOVE the Air Plants. You should send a picture to Mr.Hurst
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing!! cant wait to see more pics! Well done you... Think it's very original which is difficult to do these days... XX
ReplyDeleteWell done on your gold Melissa:)
ReplyDeleteKind regards
Phil
GOLD GOLD GOLD !! Well done..
ReplyDeletexxx
Congratulations Mel, on a unique and innovative design and well done RHS for being brave enough to give it a well deserved GOLD!
ReplyDeleteMelissa - I found your post thanks to Elephant's Eye who left a link to here over at mine.
ReplyDeleteI loved your garden yesterday - thought provoking because it extends the debate about gardens as art, and with such humour.
Thank you and congratulations :)
Talked to you yesterday about the garden - it was my favourite in the whole show. Congratulations on the gold medal - well deserved, if only for making me smile!
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