From NORTHERN ITALY TO CHELSEA

The Trees Have Arrived!

Our garden designer, Darren Hawkes, travelled to northern Italy to hand-select the perfect specimens from thousands of trees. Each was chosen for its character, form, size and colour and to work harmoniously within the final design for Chelsea.

Three magnificent Osmanthus heterophyllus mark the rear corner of the garden creating a hint of sampled shade whilst still letting lots of light through their quite open canopies. These trees really set the tone for the whole garden as there are lots of pale green and silver leafed plants which evoke feelings of warmer climes and a relaxed setting.  In addition we have Phillyrea angutstifolia, Phillyrea latifolia, Arbutus unedo, Acca sellowiana and Zizyphus jujuba.  Most of these plants originate in the mediterranean basin but with a changing climate are becoming more frequently seen within UK gardens with great reliance of warm, dry Spring and Summers

But choosing the trees was only the beginning of their journey.. Before any plant can enter the UK, strict biosecurity measures must be followed to protect our landscapes and ecosystems. Once selected, the trees began a mandatory six-month quarantine period at a nursery in Bedfordshire. During this time, they were closely monitored to ensure they met the highest standards of plant health.

Now, after months of preparation, those same trees are arranged exactly as Darren envisioned, forming the backbone of the ‘Silent No More’ garden at Chelsea. Their journey reflects the care and commitment behind every element of the design and the values at the heart of the Lady Garden Foundation.