19 January 2012
The Laurent-Perrier Bicentenary Garden
Since the turn of the New Year, the design studio has been
energised with a renewed sense of expectation - and a certain
amount of trepidation! With the Chelsea Flower Show on-site build
only 16 weeks away we are ensuring we have all the materials,
plants and support we need. I thought therefore that it was about
time I share the design on the website - and we will be writing
more regularly over the coming weeks about our preparations.
The Laurent-Perrier Bicentenary Garden is a timeless, ornamental
'gardener's garden'. All elements of the garden will be carefully
handcrafted, complemented by a soft planting scheme to provide
elegant structure. The design was inspired by Laurent-Perrier's
200-year heritage of time-honoured methods and reputation for
creating pioneering champagnes. It showcases exacting attention to
detail, combining traditional and contemporary elements through
both the planting and landscaping.
The planting itself creates the structure of the garden. I have
used architectural pleached copper beech trees to give height and a
sense of enclosure, which will turn golden through winter months.
Topiary arrangements have been formed to add character and shape to
the planting and an antique pear tree provides a key focal point at
the front corner. Flowing water will outline the garden adding
movement and a cool elegance.
This garden is not intended to baffle visitors to the show -
instead it has been designed as a 'real' garden, which will appeal
to any visitor with a love of plants and a keen eye for plant
combinations. It is relaxed enough to be able to gather a bunch of
flowers for the house, or to entertain friends on the central
terrace. I will be available throughout the week to answer
questions about the plants and I hope that visitors will be
inspired to try a few of the combinations in their own borders at
home.
www.laurent-perrier.com
www.crocus.co.uk
www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea
