Tatton Park

After our success at the East of England show it was suggested that we take the garden, since we already had it, to some other shows. We contacted Tatton but at that time they had no space. We also contacted the Bath and West showground which holds an autumn show sponsored by the National Amateur Gardening Magazine. We had been told that they also held a student challenge.

I took on board the constructive criticism from the first show and made some improvements ready for the autumn show.

We got a phone call 10 days before the build date for Tatton asking if we could fill in as someone had dropped out.

It wasn’t a matter of can we do this? it was how can we do this?

The garden was larger than the East of England one so Darren had to modify the hard landscaping and I had to change the planting to suit the season.

The garden was photographed by many people; one of whom was Modeste Herwig, renowned garden photographer and author. http://www.modesteherwig.nl/en/

Modest wrote an article on recycling, featuring my garden, for a magazine in the Netherlands, Bloem & Plant https://bloemplant.mijntijdschrift.net/

View Articles:
- Article 1
- Article 2
- Article 3

As with the garden for the East of England show this is also based on the idea of a new phase in a person’s life; it’s intended to be uplifting, to raise the spirits. It reflects how one might feel, whether they wish to be sociable or private with the mirror representing looking beyond our immediate surroundings.

Recycled materials have been used where possible with permeable hard landscaping. Consideration has been given to wildlife both in the planting and the habitats.

The ground coverings of reclaimed roof slate and decking are permeable to prevent massive run of and allow for the possibility of water harvesting. The surrounding screening is reclaimed scaffold poles, the ponds are made from plastic dustbin lids and are designed for wildlife. Also reclaimed are florist bucket planters, the Harris fencing trellis and the gate with roller shutter door material for the border edging.

Primarily the plants have healing or uplifting qualities; these include fragrant herbs, roses and climbers. Some were chosen for their wildlife attracting qualities, and some are edible.

The planting is designed to soften the hard landscaping, that in the social area is intended to be lively and then blend into the tranquil hideaway. There is intended to be a more relaxed and natural feel to the planting around the tranquil area.

The hedges create an evergreen structure which will provide interest when most of the planting has died back.