Perennial, a UK charity that supports people in horticulture through tough times, is making their first main avenue appearance at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this May (Tues 24 – Sat 28).
The Perennial Garden ‘With Love’, is by London based designer Richard Miers who says he’s passionate about the industry he works in, spanning his 26 year career. He and Perennial hope the garden will raise support for, and awareness of, the free help the charity provides.
Richard says many skills come together to create a main avenue show garden, as he explains:
“Over 50 people are directly involved, showcasing a fraction of the skilled jobs in horticulture. It’s a hugely rewarding industry to work in, but it can also be a precarious career.
“Perennial has supported people in horticulture and their families for over 180 years. It’s a privilege to be part of an organisation that gives something back to our horticultural family of growers, designers, gardeners, landscapers and ground staff”.
Peter Newman, Perennial’s chief executive says a show garden at the world’s greatest flower show, is a unique way for the charity to reach an audience that understands the importance of horticulture and those who work in the industry. “Richard’s desire to support the people who work in the industry he loves unites us,” he adds.
Packed into the allocated 22 metre by 10 metre space are all the hallmarks of a Richard Miers’ garden. Structured and elegant, with a green palette of soft white and plum undertones. Trees and shrubs include flat-topped hawthorns, multi-stemmed Parrotia persica, domes of Taxus baccata and Prunus lusitanica, with Hornbeam edging.
Sculptures are by Tom Stogden and Jack Eagan, bespoke benches are from Hylton Hugo of Torc Pots and the quote is by sign makers Goodwin & Goodwin. A central rill is by Water Artisans and All Green are providing the paving. The contractor is Stewart Landscapes, plants are from Form Plants and Rachel Sampson heads up the planting team.
“Richard’s beautiful garden represents the very best of horticulture – art, craft, skill, collaboration and love are all present in abundance,” concludes Peter. “We are very excited about how powerfully it will reach those who need our help or would like to support us in our purpose of building better futures for people in horticulture and their families.”
For more information about The Perennial Garden ‘With Love’ by Richard Miers, including a video of the garden, please visit the charity’s home page https://perennial.org.uk/ and scroll down.
