Royal Horticultural Society - RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2008

Sponsor: The Children’s Society and The Co-operative

Designer: Mark Gregory

Building on the success of last year's Iggy Pop inspired entry, The Children's Society in partnership with The Co-operative returns to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this May. The Children's Society Garden is an urban space for the future, where families can spend time together and children can learn about environmental responsibility.

A new category for 2008 - the Front Garden - tackles controversial issues regarding loss of front gardens for alternative purposes such as parking. The Children's Society Garden explores future urban living, giving practical solutions for the environmental concerns of city families.

The Children's Society Garden sits in front of a contemporary house façade and uses vertical features to make the most of its small plot. Water gently flows down a basalt wall, flanked by living walls; dry plants at the top, wet thriving plants at the bottom. Two large Saphora japonica trees overlap giving dappled shade under umbrella-pruned canopies.

Secure vertical bicycle storage is provided under a cantilevered porch. The garden is encircled by a low fence and a variety of long grasses. Gravels prevent water run off from the garden, allowing water to return to the ground. This practical design provides a microcosm for birds and insects and incorporates discreet water harvesting and waste & recycling bin storage.

Designer Mark Gregory said: "This is a garden with children and families at its heart. This design proves that you can have a practical, usable space and be environmentally responsible. The Children's Society Garden is a garden for future generations - we're making front gardens green again."

Mark Gregory is a veteran of the Chelsea Flower Show and hopes to add to his impressive medal tally collected both as a constructor and a designer. The Children's Society exhibit for the second time and aim to better last year's silver medal.

Richard Johnson at The Children's Society, said: "The Children's Society, in partnership with The Co-operative, looks to impress the judges and visitors alike this year. The environment is one of the many important issues children will face in their lifetime."

Visit The Children's Society website at www.childrenssociety.org.uk