VIEWS ON CHELSEA

Designer Tom Massey on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

THIS year, for the first time, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will take place from 21 to 26 September. For his show garden, Tom Massey – supported by Sarah Mead, creative director at Yeo Valley Organic, along with Landscape Associates – has created a horticultural visual feast of organic gardening techniques and plant principles.

Which plants have you chosen and why?

The scheme has been adapted for September and now includes lots of late-season colour including echinacea, rudbeckia, aster and dahlia species – these will be offset with beautiful ornamental grasses [the garden plan is shown right]. The shrubs and trees remain the same, and species such as quince and medlar, which would have been in blossom in spring, will now be bearing fruit. We are also hoping for hints of autumn colour and tinted leaves. The planting scheme will be biodiverse and organic (we are growing all the plants organically so no chemical pesticides or fertilisers) and is designed to encourage and support pollinators and wildlife, providing food sources and habitats.

What about hardscaping materials in the scheme?

The hard materials are limited as we are trying to create a low-impact garden and follow organic principles in the design and build. Pathways will be made from local aggregates and boulders sourced from the Mendip Hills where Yeo Valley is based. Sweeping charred log walls will be made from diseased ash that was felled on Yeo Valley land. The charred logs represent soil health, biochar being an excellent organic soil improver. All of the hard materials, including the steam-bent oak nature hide (made by designer Tom Raffield), will return to Yeo Valley and be assimilated into the organic garden.

What trends can we expect to see in the show?

I think gardens as a sanctuary space for wellbeing and respite will be a theme that will run throughout. The coronavirus pandemic has been the dominant story in the news for so long and this has had an impact. I also think gardens that support wildlife, celebrate the natural word and respond to the climate emergency will be widely seen. Issues such as species decline, global warming and habitat loss are much more prevalent in the media than they were even a couple of years ago, and designers and gardens have to respond to these issues.