Undoubtedly the most famous garden show in the world, Chelsea is often known for its floral presence, but with Marshalls as the main sponsor for 2008, the competition is getting harder – literally!

As Chris Harrop, Group Marketing Director of Marshalls said “it’s about time the barriers between soft and hard landscaping came down” and with plenty of paving, stone, bronze and heavy-duty wood, there’s nothing frilly about this year’s Chelsea.

Aside from the famous Marshall’s snake, writhing through the grasses, the focus of many of the gardens was a wilder, unkempt feel, with some of the exhibits looking like they’d been done last year and left to do their own thing. This ‘natural’ appearance required plenty of hard work to create, and gave a really rustic look to the show. It would seem that the cropped, manicured landscapes with flowers that can only be watered with a syringe have become less of a trend of late.  

The Daily Telegraph’s ‘largest water feature in memory’ seems to have been a media favourite this year, with George Harrison’s memorial garden a close second. However, away from these were a number of other interesting finds such as NFP Mutual’s pipe-bursting flower display and ideas such as an entire allotment in baskets and outdoor fireplaces, which also drew a lot of attention. In addition, the likes of Kubota, JCB, Massey Ferguson and Bosch kept the machinery fans away from the Pimms stand.

Sadly, there was a distinct lack of fencing at the show, with the likes of Colorfence tucked away in the undergrowth and Quercus UK pushing the number up to a meagre two. Still, with the presence of plenty of railings, wood landscaping and gates, it would seem that many of you had your toe in the pool on behalf of another name. When it comes to gates, there was one clear presence under the name of Oak Leaf Gates’, who’s stylish ‘Aero Gate’ on show, designed to commemorate the RAF’s ninetieth birthday. No doubt the Chelsea pensioners will approve.

Congratulations to Marshalls on their fantastic garden, and we’ll look forward to what they’ve got up their sleeve for next year. Lips are sealed, it would seem...

For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea