Britain in Bloom – Newport’s Pandas

It’s one of Europe’s biggest yearly campaigns – and it puts a smile on everyone’s face. Over 115,000 volunteers in hundreds of village, towns, cities and urban communities give an estimated 1.7 million hours of their time to making the space around them look better and brighter. It is, of course, Britain In Bloom, and this year there are no less than seventy-seven finalists hoping for the Champion Of Champions title…

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Britain in Bloom Article>>

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Alan Titchmarsh Interview>>

Download our free article detailing the National Gardening Scheme and Ray and Anne’s garden >>>

National Gardening Scheme Article

Walker’s Nurseries very own Graham Bodle has designed a garden for the Doncaster Deaf Trust at this years RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Tuesday 24th May (RHS members day) Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th May

The garden to be shown in the Urban Gardens category has been designed for the students and tutors at the Doncaster School for the Deaf. The garden is designed to be inviting for the schools age range of 11 years to young adults. There are two separate secluded seating areas. Both face opposite each other making it possible to communicate throught the use of sign. The angular floor plan allows for the practical use of the space which is softend through planting.

Deaf and hard of hearing students rely on their remaining senses, which are often heightened. Accommodating this, the garden fetaures a textured sculpture, moving water, fruits and plants with differing shape, texture, colour and scents.

Hard Landscaping

Two perimeter boundaries are made from reclaimed scaffolding poles, alternating with wooden poles similar to tree stakes. The scaffolding poles have been chosen for their urban and construction uses, which emphasise the urban feel of the garden. The tops of the poles have been finished using a decorative steel cap engraved with the trusts logo. A modern take on the plastic cap used in scaffolding.

To reduce flooding a permeable compacted gravel will be used for the floor space. Galvanised steel edging will be used to retain the gravel.

The seating is constructed from reclaimed scaffolding boards using a scaffolding pole frame.

The focal point of the garden is a textured figurative scultpture called touch. Along side the sculpture there is a water feture made from grey stone, carved with ripples echoing the curved steel dish within.

Planting

The planting consists of predominantly green foliage with shades of blue and white herbaceous perennials. Blue is the corporate colour of the school. White flowering plants will help tie the scheme together. Splashes of red are used to catch the eye.

Perennials, grassses, climbers and fruit trees will soften the materials and straight lines of the garden.

Two multi stem Betula Jacquemontil have been selected to add height and maturity in the diagonals of the garden. These are to be underplanted with plants suitable for dappled shade. The grasses and shade planting will add a natural feel to the garden contrasting with the more horticultural elements: the trained fruit trees and square clipped Buxus Semprevirens.

In winter the rectilinear layout of the garden will be revelaed, contrasting with the curved shape of the vertical poles. Seed heads from grasses will give interest throught he winter along with the silhouette of the multi stemed Betula.

Please click below for a copy of the planting plan:

PLanting list – Doncaster Deaf Trust Garden RHW 33

Click on the link below to download this exclusive interview with Charlie.

Charlie Dimmock Interview

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