Garden Design: Flower Show Inspiration

For most of us, having a garden that sparkles immaculately, where every flower is grown to perfection, where gasps of amazement are heard from neighbours, is but a dream. Ideas begin to form as you wander around RHS Chelsea or other like minded flower shows, a plant here, a stone figurine there, and before you know it your mind is awash with new plans for your little bit of green. However, the task in hand can seem overwhelming.

It is important to remember however, that Flower Show gardens are built specifically for the show. Not to mention the thousands of pounds that go into each design, hard landscaping is usually specifically crafted and plants are forced on to flower when the cultivator wants, not when the plant wants to. For this reason many of the varieties seen blooming together would never naturally flower at the same time, and so these gardens are to a degree, false.

Planting can be false….Delphiniums and Wisteria will rarely be in bloom together

This is an important factor to keep under consideration when racing around, piling the trolley high with plants, statues and woven baskets. Out of the context of the show, in your own back garden, it will take time and consideration to make the newly acquired pieces work. Of course, nothing should dissuade you from buying a plant you love, perhaps a fragrant new rose, a beautiful new hosta variety, but take note of planting and growing guidelines. Whilst a show garden may have ferns placed in a sun baked corner, once established in your garden they will prefer moist shade. Echinacea used to brighten up a shady show garden corner will rapidly sadden if kept in the same position for long. These gardens are only in situ for a short time, so make sure you read guidelines to ensure you have the right spot for them.

In addition to paying attention to planting guidelines, and flowering times, make mental notes of ideas. Show gardens are wonderful at inspiring green fingered individuals, and perhaps even those who have never lifted a hand fork in their lives. Look at the use of plants and structures to create height differences in the gardens. Sometimes this may be towering single spike, using alliums, foxtail lilies or an avant-garde piece of art. In other places small, gradual inclines of planting depth are used to draw the eye, blocks of rose or clematis covered trellis fill the scene with colour and pagoda’s or archway’s bring a sense of intrigue.

The use of materials in show garden’s are also hugely instrumental in the final look. Think about how to cater for these in your own garden. Though the best possible quality is used in these medal winning delights, for home use substitutes can be found. A concrete, look-a-like alternative can often be found to camouflage itself as blocks of stone, or walkways. Reclaimed bricks can prove more aesthetically pleasing than brand new, bringing a rustic charm with their chips and marks. If the effort is put into finding these cheaper, alternative sources, the garden will not only look just as good as the real thing, but you’ll have a larger sense of achievement.

Reclaimed materials could make this path more cheaply in your own garden

Visiting show gardens continues to be hugely popular and inspiring for thousands around the world. Don’t try and recreate entire gardens because the effort and cost involved simply won’t justify the end result. Break down the specific points you like about the design, enjoy the beauty whilst remembering the true logistics of building your own design, and let inspiration overtake you. Gardening isn’t just for the designers; it’s for everyone willing to give it a try.