Commenting Chris said, “As with all our schemes, the plants are always the stars. This year we really wanted to showcase the talents of smaller specialist British growers as we believe they can provide us with our stand out plants for the garden. Some of these nurseries have never grown plants for a Chelsea show garden before but they have confidently taken up the challenge and are using their wealth of knowledge and passion to grow the highest quality plants for us to work with.”
One of the nurseries he is working with is Hare Spring Cottage Plants based South Yorkshire. Stella Exely who runs the nursery is currently nurturing a large number of Camassia varieties for Chris. The stunning blue spires of the Camassia are set to be a show stopper, creating a cloud of colour that will draw the planting scheme together harmoniously. Apart from their beauty and striking colour, Chris chose Camassia as the species originates from North America where the garden’s sponsor Morgan Stanley has its corporate headquarters.
Chris, who has won 9 RHS gold medals and The People’s Choice Award an unprecedented three times at Chelsea, is renowned for his verdant and original planting schemes. Having begun his own career working in a small nursery, Chris is passionate about promoting the skills and expertise of some of the UK’s smaller, lesser known growers who he believes can often provide a more unusual selection of plants and to the very highest standard demanded for Chelsea.
Over the years Chris has a developed a reputation for always trying to inject new and exciting plants into his Chelsea Show Garden Schemes. In 2012 he showcased the previously out-of-favour rhododendrons and azaleas, in his Furzey Show Garden.
In 2013 it was his use of towering Echiums which pleased the crowds, in his garden for Arthritis Research UK Garden.
The Morgan Stanley Healthy Cities Garden will be located on Royal Hospital Way – Plot number RHW/8.
Information supplied by Jane Southcott PR
