Chetwoods Architects collaborated with garden designer / landscape architect Patrick Collins for the 4th time at RHS Chelsea this year to create a striking ‘Silk Road Garden’. Airey Spaces was commissioned to photograph the garden on the final build day before the grandeur of press day. There is the usual sea of high vis vests to avoid as the crews and designers are putting all the finishing touches before the judges arrive. It’s a real treat to see.
The strong reds and pinks that run through the structure of the garden made for a bold backdrop and the garden had a narrative which reflected the history and culture of the capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom, Chengdu. I’ve pinched the following text from Chetwoods website.. but it explains a little more……
The design combines architectural and planting design in a conceptual East-West landscape, with a dramatic ‘Silk Road’ linking the various elements of the garden. The capital of the ancient Shu kingdom 3,000 years ago, since ancient times Chengdu has been known as ‘the Abundant Land’ owing to its fertile soil and favourable climate. The Silk Road Garden reflects this rich history and culture’.
‘At the heart of the garden the circular symbol of the 3,000 year old Sun and Immortal Bird legend, which is the logo of Chengdu City and Chinese Cultural Heritage, lies on a central theatrical ‘plaza’. From this colourful centrepiece a strong linear ‘Silk Road’ path – with silk woven along its route – runs the length of the garden, representing historic and current East-West collaboration, and referencing the Su-Embroidery masters of Chengdu’.
The garden is being delivered to China after the event to launch a major gardens initiative in the City of Chengdu.
RHS Chelsea 2017 medals link here.
