Crowe Garden Design - Bespoke Garden Design In Essex

It cannot be but it is, two years since we were on the Royal Hospital show site for the RHS Chelsea flower show 2007. It was our first show as a team and an abiding image I have (of many) was our first day of build, strolling into the Great Pavilion, a vast open space, and as I approached our designated spot seeing Andrew and Sheila stood, alone looking at the empty space we were to transform. (Andrew made me laugh even louder when explaining his first day at Hampton Court flower show with large diggers and machinery all around him and he with only his border spade.)

 

We were organised to the nth degree, planning and logisitics had been at the foremost of our thoughts right from the beginning. It had to be so, we expected chaos and planned for that. I had pushed hard for the fact that we should build and plant the garden in 24 hours flat, non stop. That was the level of planning we had gone to, but the decision was made to use the allotted time and not stress ourselves any more than was necessary. (In hindsight the sensible option.)

 

Everyone was so helpful, friendly and willing to assist. (Well nearly everyone, one of our neighbouring exhibitors was a cantankerous goat, caused a few ruffled feathers.) Being in the Great Pavilion meant that we did not have to cope with the elements and this was a relief. The Roof Garden category was new, the first (and to date only) year it was staged. Building a Roof Garden without a roof is one thing, but building a Roof Garden without a roof and inside did at times feel somewhat surreal.  

 

As the build week progressed we gradually felt a more and more a part of the furniture. The show ground became smaller, faces became familiar and the camaraderie built and built. The day the Sun Chariot arrived and was installed by Leigh was brilliant. People stopped to stare, to admire the fabulous craftsmanship. The turntable worked brilliantly to demonstrate the inspired principal behind the concept and interest grew and grew.

 

Oh such a happy week building a small show garden at the Chelsea flower show, those busy pushing hard for this final weekend should enjoy the moment, the fear and anxiety is just about to really begin....