The weather may be miserable outside but the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show is under way showcasing the best in garden design, landscaping and growing. This year marks 100 years of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and it hasn’t disappointed showcasing great ideas you can easily recreate in your own garden.
One trend seen at the flower show this year is the incorporation of a garden building or garden ‘shack’! The garden building is not just a place to store your garden tools and lawn mower; it can easily be transformed into a garden feature with a simple slick of paint. There are many ways of transforming a garden shed.
The ‘shack’ trend is very important this year at the Chelsea Flower Show; buildings have a relaxed design with natural materials like bamboo. Adding a green roof to your garden building can be a great way of adding that relaxed, natural look to your own garden shed. You can find green roof kits on the internet or in most garden centres.
Painting your shed with shabby chic colours can also be a great way of adding a relaxed, chic look to your garden buildings. Off white and pale pastel colours are perfect for this; mix the paint with a little water to create a wash. The wash effect will give your garden shed a shabby chic style.
This year more gardens in the Flower Show are focussing on using native plants to help encourage native wildlife. Using native plants and trees will help make your garden more natural and suited to native insects and birds. A wildlife garden does not have to be wild and unruly; why not create a section in your garden just for natural plant species. Harsh chemicals and repellents can often kill important native species so try not to use too many in your own garden.
A garden shed is easy to decorate and transform.
This year’s Chelsea Show has also seen a trend for incorporating edible plants into decorative bedding. Many of us often forget how beautiful vegetable plants such as fennel can be. Edible climbers are also great for hiding unsightly walls or areas in the garden. Trellis panels are perfect for growing climbing plants edible or not.
Container gardening is ideal for smaller gardens and urban spaces. This year’s show has seen a continuing trend for large containers. Giant or large containers can be expensive but they do hold their value and are an investment for any garden. Instead of using lots and lots of pots use a large one and make it a feature in your garden. Raised beds are great alternatives and can be used for growing flowers of vegetable plants.
Raised Beds.
Water is always a big part of the Chelsea Flower Shows; a water feature is ideal for adding interest to your garden. A water feature is also a great way of adding depth to a garden; water reflects light and can make a small garden bigger. Stay away from more traditional water features and go for a modern style like a trough feature or small waterfall.
The Chelsea Flower Show is the perfect place to take inspiration for your own garden. You garden does not have to be an exact replica of a Chelsea garden but it can take specific features and add them to your home. Adding little features can transform a garden into something spectacular.
If you’re looking for garden accessories or buildings take a look at the Walton’s Garden Buildings.
