Garden Tour: A Lush, Tranquil Space for a Young Couple
Traditional crafts and thoughtful planting combine to create a garden that’s good for people and wildlife
For many gardening novices, the tips and tricks passed down from parents and grandparents are invaluable for getting them started. Each generation has knowledge to pass on to the next, whether that’s how to lay out a space well, grow fantastic vegetables or create habitats for wildlife, these fundamentals can foster a love of gardening that lasts forever. And that’s what designer Paul Hervey-Brookes had in mind when creating his show garden in conjunction with RBC Brewin Dolphin for 2023’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
A central path with lush flowerbeds on either side leads through the plot. “The planting is reminiscent of cottage gardens, which are hubs for exchanged plants, ideas and values [among the community],” Paul explains. “We’re using old-fashioned roses, herbaceous cottage plants and rich, multi-layer plantings of shrubs and trees.”
Other plants within the garden include aquilegias, poppies, thalictrum, allium and the tall valerian seen here.
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Other plants within the garden include aquilegias, poppies, thalictrum, allium and the tall valerian seen here.
Find a local garden designer on Houzz today.
The successional planting provides habitat all year round, purifying the air and maximising biodiversity. Native shrubs such as hawthorn, hornbeam and this hazel act as a tall canopy above the pretty pollinators below.
The layout of the garden is what Paul refers to as “a classic deflected terminating vista”. The idea behind this is that each path ends with a view of the large, oak-framed pavilion.
The timber pavilion provides a sheltered place for the couple to sit within their garden and look out to the nature around them.
The timber pavilion provides a sheltered place for the couple to sit within their garden and look out to the nature around them.
The structure was designed and built by Border Oak, which has revived the art of traditional green oak framing – a skill that had been out of use for more than 200 years.
“It’s based on the porch we do for houses,” Border Oak’s Ben Albright says. “The sides and front are open, but there’s an element of enclosure.
“There are various bits of design in it that are very craftsman-like, such as the diamond mullions down the side and front elevations and the chamfered oak beams,” he continues. “It’s something robust, but at the same time not too harsh.”
“It’s based on the porch we do for houses,” Border Oak’s Ben Albright says. “The sides and front are open, but there’s an element of enclosure.
“There are various bits of design in it that are very craftsman-like, such as the diamond mullions down the side and front elevations and the chamfered oak beams,” he continues. “It’s something robust, but at the same time not too harsh.”
In the centre of the garden, a seating area features more handcrafted elements, such as this large water bowl.
Divona water bowl, Livingreen Design. Furniture from the 1900 collection, Fermob.
Divona water bowl, Livingreen Design. Furniture from the 1900 collection, Fermob.
Porcelain sculptures by Parisian ceramicist Gregory Tchalikian have been dotted among the planting.
More: How to Start a Garden Redesign
More: How to Start a Garden Redesign
At the opposite end of the garden to the pavilion is a sunken terrace. It’s a spacious area where the owners can relax and entertain, but it has an additional meaning for Paul. “Level changes in the garden reflect subtly the way knowledge is absorbed and transferred,” he explains.
For Paul, the garden isn’t just about looking to the past. “[It’s] not just passing knowledge down to new generations,” he says, “but using that knowledge to make the best use of modern ideas and technology.”
Dover Taupe porcelain paving, Caledonian Stone.
Tell us…
What do you like about this Chelsea Show Garden? Which other gardens did you enjoy at 2023’s event? Let us know in the Comments.
For Paul, the garden isn’t just about looking to the past. “[It’s] not just passing knowledge down to new generations,” he says, “but using that knowledge to make the best use of modern ideas and technology.”
Dover Taupe porcelain paving, Caledonian Stone.
Tell us…
What do you like about this Chelsea Show Garden? Which other gardens did you enjoy at 2023’s event? Let us know in the Comments.
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Who lives here? A young couple
Location RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
Designer Paul Hervey-Brookes for RBC Brewin Dolphin
Carpentry Border Oak
Paul Hervey-Brookes (pictured) designed this garden for a young couple. His imaginary clients are keen to use the experience of their grandparents to help them create a space that’s full of wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
“Horticulture is a primary example of where skills and knowledge are passed down through the generations,” he says. He points to skills such as grafting and knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants, as well as the cultivation of varieties with more flowers or better-tasting fruit.