RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a world-renowned event that showcases the very best of horticulture and garden design. Held annually in London, this prestigious show brings together garden enthusiasts, designers, and experts from around the globe. Showcasing a myriad of stunning displays, the event offers a captivating glimpse into the innovative and imaginative world of gardening. From breathtaking floral arrangements to cutting-edge landscape designs, visitors can explore a vast array of gardens that showcase the artistry, creativity, and skill of the participating designers. The Chelsea Flower Show is not only a celebration of beauty and nature but also a platform for horticultural trends, sustainable practices, and the latest advancements in garden technology. It serves as a source of inspiration for both professionals and gardening enthusiasts, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the transformative power of gardens.
Are Stark & Greensmith involved in this year’s show?
Absolutely. We are thrilled to be asked by Award Winning designer Martyn Wilson to supply (intricate metalwork) to the RSPCA garden this year and our Creative Director Martine Le Gassick had the privilege of designing a bespoke pattern specifically for the show garden. A beautiful pattern of intertwined branches and leaves designed for a number of garden elements including the Corten dead hedge features and Corten balustrading. Our reputation over the years has grown as a reliable designer and supplier of contemporary decorative metalwork and we are lucky enough to have worked with many designers and architects on some beautiful projects.
The Chelsea Flower Show is the highlight of our year, we are always bowled over by the sheer effort, creativity and teamwork that goes into every single garden. Alitex introduced us to the show back in 2017 when we supplied our drift Corten garden screens as a backdrop to their exquisite trade stand and the quality of work and infectious energy has been calling us back ever since.
The RSPCA Garden – Celebrating 200 years of the RSPCA
The garden is a contemporary interpretation of a wildlife sanctuary, inspired by native woodlands and the rehabilitation of wild animals that forms part of the RSPCA’s vital welfare work. Using a fusion of natural, sustainable, and recycled materials, it demonstrates how we can have a positive impact on biodiversity and live as part of the natural environment.
In the corner of the garden sits a contemporary structure akin to a wildlife observation hide, enabling views out into the space. A natural stone feature wall, with contemporary bird nesting boxes, forms the rear. The garden features a modern interpretation of a “dead hedge” in hand fabricated Corten steel, which becomes a habitat for birds, mammals and insects, recycled garden waste – and provides a place to sit.
A small stream, framed by recycled plastic, flows through the garden, creating movement and sound. It cascades into a pool, providing a spot for quiet contemplation, as well as a source of water for wildlife.
The whole space is enclosed by hedging and a canopy of native trees and shrubs, essential for birds and wildlife. Planting is in a multi-layered naturalistic style, in shades of green, whites and tones of ‘RSPCA’ blue, with pollinator-friendly plants.
The garden is a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the RSPCA, the largest animal welfare charity, which will continue to rescue, care for and prevent cruelty to all animals for the next 200 years and beyond.
Designer – Martyn Wilson
A Gold Medal-winner at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, RHS Malvern Spring Festival and BBC Gardeners’ World Live and founder of Wilson Associates Garden Design Martyn works with both domestic and commercial clients, creating beautiful gardens to the highest of quality.
The RSPCA garden is his debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Martyn believes that many people assume a wildlife garden has to be wild and untidy. “You can have a wildlife-supporting garden but it doesn’t have to be scruffy. A lot of our clients want stylish and low-maintenance,” he says. “I’m aiming to show that it’s possible to achieve this and attract and protect wildlife, too.”
Where Can I Visit This Garden After The Show?
The show garden will be relocated to the RSPCA’s education hub at Stapeley Grange Wildlife Rescue Centre in Nantwich, Cheshire to support their prevention work and create a world that’s kinder to all animals. The space will deliver impactful experiences and bring essential animal welfare education to communities who have fewer opportunities to connect with their environment. As well as using learning in the natural environment to reach out and support young people, families and vulnerable adults, the education hub will support the emotional wellbeing and resilience of those taking part. The garden will enable thousands of people to develop kindness and empathy for animals and their environment, as well as investigative and problem-solving skills and resilience through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration and inquiry-based learning.
If you want to discuss any upcoming projects that need decorative metalwork then please Contact Our Friendly Team
