If you need inspiration for a new patio, garden feature or a complete garden the RHS flower shows are a great starting point. The Hampton Court Show is a gardening paradise set in the sumptuous grounds of Hampton Court Palace. With forty show gardens to inspire you it is well worth a visit.
This was my first visit to Hampton Court Palace and I wanted to see what the exhibiting designers had on show this year and how I could use Tobermore products to recreate their gardens back home.
Makoto Tanaka’s garden Journey to Eco-Awakening was immediately a treat for the eyes. Inspired by Zen gardens the conceptual exhibit took its main theme from the way nature contributes to relaxation, sustaining Humanity through meditation. Tall white stemmed birch trees set in a sea of waving grasses first caught my eye, a sheet of gravel covered the garden and standing stones created a focal point. A feature seating area provided a space to meditate and could easily be recreated using Tobermore’s Logstone, use grasses and herbaceous plants from your local garden centre along with gravel to create a calm sea and a spring stone water feature would create an ambience to gently soothe the soul. This garden won silver.
Another award winning garden was inspired by the Six Wives of Henry VIII. Tracey Foster, a Tobermore Designer, took up the gauntlet to interpret Jane Seymour’s life – a calculating ice maiden or fair and gentle beauty? Tracey created a space that was cool and composed – its white and icy-pale flowers reflected Janes appearance and temperament.
The square garden is split into quarters with regimented paths formed using Tobermore’s Retro set in herringbone pattern. The paths culminate in the centre of the garden below an Oak gazebo with Jane’s motto “Bound to Obey and Serve” carved into the wood. The subtle Heather tones of Tobermore’s Retro were warm against the cool borders and would have pleased Janes attention to detail. Tracey’s garden was awarded Best Six Wives of Henry VIII Garden Silver Gilt Medal. And was a delight to walk around.
I really enjoyed my first visit to the Hampton Court Flower show and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of remodelling their garden.
Images used in this blog article are taken from RHS website and Tracy Foster Garden Design website.