Contact us - sandy@recklessgardener.co.uk
The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2005 5 - 10 July 2005 (*5 - 6 reserved for RHS members)
Back to main show and events index >>
Back to RHS Hampton Court Flower Show main index page >>
Traditional and contemporary trends promise to delight at Hampton 2005
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is the largest annual flower show in the world and we have come to expect consistently high standards. This year's show is no let-down, there are some fabulous show gardens, plenty of trade stands and a whole host of inspirational ideas.
For those who love nostalgic gardens and crave for the cottage gardens of old, The Old Police House, (pictured left) designed by Penny Smith, will stun. Winner of the Tudor Rose Award, and a Gold Medal, the garden has been created around a 1950's old police station and promotes Milly's Fund, named after Amanda 'Milly' Dowler and aimed at promoting personal safety, in particular children's. The garden has a lovely lived-in feel and the gentle pastel colour scheme is a delight with its shots of vibrant colour. Definitely my favourite garden and sure to be a show favourite as well.
For the first time at Hampton there is a traditional Chinese Garden. Xiang-Qiang Chen and Mr Ting-Feng Liu have brought us The Butterfly Lovers. In China people like plants to convey meaning and this garden conveys the story of China's Romeo and Juliet with its theme of Eternal Love. Very different, stimulating and enjoyable. The Garden has been awarded a Silver-Gilt Flora.
If you are looking for something really different then The Imaginary Pavilion of Love will certainly set gardeners talking. Designed by design team Giardino Sonoro La Limonaia dell'Imperialino and Paolo Fiumi, this garden was awarded Most Creative Garden. (Pictured right) It really is different and uses the unconventional use of sounds in the garden space integrated in objects and botanical features. Inside the Bamboo and Salix screen surrounding the pavilion you will find a natural seat to give you a "living hug" while you listen to sounds swirling above your head. Certainly a dramatic departure from what we consider a conventional garden but really exciting and innovative.
A Sensory Garden Classroom by Tony Smith (awarded Silver-Gilt Flora) is a garden within which one or more outdoor classrooms can be used. The sensory garden has been designed for Banstead Junior School and will be relocated in the school after the show. Here we have a Greek theatre built from reclaimed bricks and limestone. The graceful cypress trees and other Mediterranean planting give us a wonderful impression of Ancient Greece.
In the small gardens category we loved Tom's Midnight Garden (pictured left). Designed by Alison Page, Rachel Prior and Toni Rae, the garden took gold, as well as, the best small gardens category. This interpretation of the classic children's book of the same name, was not only a stunning floral representation, but also highlighted several ideas which we can all use in our own gardens. Tom's empty bed, with a counterpane and pillow constructed entirely from plants was a delight. Colouring reflected different times of the day planted around a clock. Wonderful.
© Reckless Gardener. Mill Cottage New Media. 2004-2005. Accessibility.