Gardenlink constructs five Gardens at RHS Chelsea 2022
Gardenlink Constructs Five Gardens at Chelsea Flower Show
Gardenlink constructed a staggering five gardens at Chelsea Flower Show this year. We spoke to Dan of Gardenlink to learn more about how this has been done, the team atmosphere, and the important change in rules Dan was pleased to see happen behind the scenes this year.
Gardenlink has constructed an impressive five gardens at Chelsea Flower Show (CFS) this year – something believed not to have been done before.
Constructing Cityscapes St Mungo’s Garden, the Blue Peter Garden, Lottie Delamain’s Garden (a student of Inchbald School of Design), BBC’s Gardener’s Question time Garden, and finally, the Omved Gardens for Chelsea Fringe, there has been a significant amount of work to do.
According to Dan, much of what has been involved in the construction this year has varied immensely and the Gardenlink team has enjoyed being able to work on a variety of different garden designs. He added: “We’ve been able to push boundaries where we haven’t before, and where we’re working with new designers it has been interesting to see their approach. It’s felt quite refreshing!”
So, how have Gardenlink found itself constructing five gardens? Dan said through kind recommendations from current and previous clients, his own offerings, and the company’s extensive network; the work fell into place – all at once!
Therefore, life during CFS prep has been an enjoyable, challenging, and tiring experience, Dan explained. “The days have been long, but the atmosphere has been great. It’s the small things like having breakfast together in the morning and having one big support network that has meant for a really good time.”
Naturally, however, with all this work, extra help was needed. “We’ve had the whole Gardenlink team working on site and additional help from 20 fantastic volunteers too – some of whom have dreamt about working at the Chelsea Flower Show. It has been so lovely to be able to offer people this opportunity.”
Gardenlink has been working behind the scenes at the CFS for a number of years now. But this year, Dan explained he has seen positive changes focused on sustainability now that the criteria states gardens must be relocated to permanent homes.
“Usually, during the build up, skips are full of plants and other waste that has been rejected. This year, the skips were much emptier, and everyone has become more aware of the products being used and their value. It’s great to see a heavier focus on what waste is being generated and how people then work to use it.”
From the design to build, it is evident this year that action has been taken towards tackling waste. This, whilst working as a great way to raise awareness of the importance of producing less waste, could also indicate how CFS will run in the future.
Article from Prolandscaper May 2022