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RHS Shows

In 1990 the Society became adventuresome and entered the "Hanging Basket and Window Box" competition at the Chelsea flower show. It was our first attempt and we were very thrilled to be awarded a Bronze Medal.

On the heels of this success, 1991 saw the presenting of another Box and Basket in all shades of yellow, which won a Silver Medal. Photographs of this entry were produced in several gardening Magazines and was featured on the BBC television show. (If any one has a copy of the Magazines or the photographs could you let the Membership secretary know so that we can copy and publish them here !)

1992, 1993 and 1994 brought three further Bronze medals. In 1994 we were privileged to have our design chosen for the Courtyard Garden section. Although we did not win a medal for the 1994 design we persevered and entered again in 1995. We were rewarded with a Silver Gilt Medal, an acceptional achievement by the Society and in particular the Garden Working Party.

1996 saw a Bronze medal in the Basket and Box section.

1997 we enterd the Hampton Court Show and were finalists

1999 was the last time we enterd Chelsea, where we were awarded a Silver Medal fo our Basket and Box.

Chelsea 1995 - A Courtyard Garden

The brief behind the design was to create a colourful and interesting garden which, although simple, would provide a pleasing environment throughout the year and need little maintenance.

The garden is constructed around a central paved seating area which, being circular, offers many varied views of the garden. Each planting segment radiates from the centre at a different height to its neighbouring plot thus giving interest to each area. This interest is heightened by the construction of various features throughout the garden to draw the eye over a wealth of colour and texture created by the planting.

The planting in each area is based around one colour creating dramatic blocks whilst also allowing different varieties of the same cultivar to be used throughout. The plants have also been chosen for their perfume and, in certain instances, for other attributes such as the ability to climb and cover the trelliswork thereby extending the blocks of planted colour into the vertical plane.

The blue grey area contains a water feature where the cascading effect creates audible interest as well as a dramatic backdrop to the planting. This is capped with lead covered planters incorporating trailing plants tumbling over the stonework visually complimenting the water feature and softening the backdrop.

The main theme for the white area is an unusual sculpture rising up through the plants to cast strong and dramatic shadows over the delicate flowers. The sculpture is constructed from the same material as the trellis and incorporating black pebbles which can also be found scattered throughout the garden.

In the green area a bird feeder and table attract birds to the garden adding their own entertaining interest.

The water feature and all the retaining walls are made from dark grey stone pointed in a matching mortar. The paved area is similarly dark grey bringing a sense of continuity to the design. The result creates a hard natural background whilst maintaining the colour and softness of the planting to its full effect

Subdued lighting has been included around the seated area extending the enjoyment of the garden into those warm evenings with spectacular night time views. In addition underwater lighting has also been included bringing dancing light and movement to the whole design.

THE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY'S WORKING PARTY ON THE GARDEN

(During the construction of this web site I was given access to much information regarding the MCHS. It is from this information that most of this page was taken. May thanks to the people who recorded the events)