Yesterday, bathed in beautiful sunshine, I had the opportunity to explore the Chelsea Flower Show, an event known for its sprawling displays of horticultural excellence and innovative garden designs. The show, which spans an area equivalent to 500 double-decker buses, offers an incredible diversity of plants and a wealth of inspiration for anyone with a passion for gardening and outdoor spaces.
As an interior designer, you may wonder why I'd choose to visit such an event. The answer lies in a unique collaboration. Landscape designers Julia Hill & Sophie Knittel from MHLK Collective, in partnership with the fashion brand ME+EM, reached out to me for assistance. They were creating a garden that embodied “Timeless Expressionism,” and wanted to include a Vincent Sheppard Chair and some outdoor cushions from my brand, “Cushionbank.”
Thrilled at the prospect, I coordinated with Vincent Sheppard to supply the Kodo cocoon chair for their display. Meanwhile, my workroom produced stunning cushions from the outdoor fabrics from Misia Paris that beautifully contrasted with the soft, romantic plantings in their garden. The result was a stunning testament to the harmony of interior and exterior design.
The Chelsea Flower Show was a garden of Eden, filled with an array of incredible exhibits. One of my favourites was Leon Kluge’s Cape Flora of South Africa, showcasing cut flowers of Proteaceae from the southern tip of Africa. The display demonstrated the stark contrast between the wet and dry seasons these flowers endure, adding a unique element of storytelling to their beauty.
Another exhibit that caught my eye was the "Jurassic World" by Hampshire Carnivorous Plants.
A modern and unusual take on a still life, an exhibit that truly inspired me was the work of Lucy Hutchings and Kate Cotterill, the founders of She Grows Veg, a company specialising in heirloom seeds. Their exhibit, 'Edimental – the beauty of vegetables,' provided a fresh and modern twist on classic Renaissance paintings by showcasing heirloom varieties in vibrant, colourful displays. The creativity and dedication to detail by these passionate growers was evident in every aspect of their exhibit, which was brought to life by floral designer Hazel Gardiner. This was their first exhibit at RHS Chelsea, and their efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved gold medal.
Walking along the main avenue, I encountered a variety of gardens, each with a unique theme and design. The enchanting wild gardens, the Bridgerton-inspired garden, and the serene Japanese garden with its beautiful acer trees each told their own story, offering inspiration and a feast for the senses.
'Money Doesn't Grow On Trees’ Garden, designed by Baz Grainger and built by Landform Consultants. This scented haven was the epitome of relaxation, with a winding path leading to a central water well and a communal dining area sheltered by a pergola. The use of outdoor furniture, specifically the Oda lounge chairs and the Frida outdoor dining chairs from Vincent Sheppard, added an element of comfort and style to the garden, transforming it into a cosy outdoor living room. These exquisite pieces of furniture were not only visually appealing but also functional, creating a perfect spot for BBC interviews amidst the beauty of the garden.
As an interior designer, I've been drawn to Vincent Sheppard's furniture for the past 19 years. Known for their timeless designs, Vincent Sheppard creates furniture suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, seamlessly blending interior and exterior design. These pieces add sophistication to any space, making them a wonderful addition to your home or garden. Even better, you can directly purchase Vincent Sheppard's furniture through my website, Cushionbank!
The Chelsea Flower Show is not just a showcase of stunning plants and design; it's a testament to the limitless possibilities of outdoor spaces. From a Roman garden by The Newt to a garden designed specifically for autistic individuals, the show was a reminder of how gardens can be tailored to meet specific needs or mirror different eras and cultures.
My visit to the Chelsea Flower Show was a day filled with inspiration and admiration for the creativity and talent of garden designers. This delightful blend of my background in interior design and the outdoor world reminded me that the line between indoor and outdoor spaces is fluid and brimming with possibilities.