BBC Radio Stoke Garden at the Chatsworth Flower Show 2019
Designed by Colin & Mary Bielby & implemented by Bestall & Co in association with PMM Landscapes
Winners of the BBC Radio Stoke ‘Amateur garden design competition 2019’, Colin & Mary were mentored by award winning garden designer Lee Bestall to develop their design in preparation for the garden to be built at the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show in June. Lee mentored Colin & Mary throughout the design development process and into the construction phase of the garden.
An ‘Imagined Miners Garden’ is Colin’s interpretation of what a miners garden may have looked like 100 years ago. An old reclaimed brick pathway leads past the linear vegetable plot where potatoes, kale, onions, leeks and lettuce grow. On the opposite side of the garden is an old ‘ballerina’ apple tree, gooseberry and other soft fruit bushes nestled amongst herbaceous planting and herbs.
The mossy pathway leads to an old reclaimed bench, behind which, stand haunting silhouettes of miners holding a variety of genuine artefacts. The steel shadows are a tribute to the many men and boys who lost their lives in a tragic mining disaster in Stoke 101 years ago.
This year (in August) commemorates the 100th anniversary of when the final body was recovered from the mine.
“The judging panel selected this garden from many high quality entries, but it was the story which really captured our imagination. From the moment I saw the artists illustration, I knew that the public would love this garden. It has stacks of character, nostalgia and emotion, packed into just a 4m x 6m space. I’ve enjoyed indulging my ‘artistic side’ when directing the set dressing of the garden. I’m especially proud of my team for helping create this garden and to Mark for his path laying skills, Owen for the fabulous detail work (including two genius design decisions), Marion for the amazing hand painted backdrop and the planting team which included Mark, Owen and Jamie” Lee Bestall
For the full plant list, click here