Life is never simple
Progress seems to have been rather slow today: a few hold ups and three lorries to unload. We still have some construction work to do and I am also very keen to clear debris as we go, and remove anything from site that we are not going to use.
My main focus today has been getting the rest of the trees, and some of the large shrubs in place. As the central theme is 'Coastal', the placing of the plants is a little more complicated. I have tried to keep seaside through the middle, and woodland on the outside.
Life is never simple: the Pavilion is much lower on the outside of the exhibit and we have some very tall birches which touch the roof if they are in the wrong place - this is always exactly where you want to place them! We also have a lot of very good, large acers. I just hope we have enough space for these as I am trying to keep the birch stems well exposed. I also want to keep the centre of the exhibit very open and light to preserve the feeling it has now, I think this already has a very coastal atmosphere about it.
The small eucalyptus look just as good at Chelsea as they did in the glasshouse. The foliage is intense silver blue and shows up surprisingly well in low light. We have quite a few cordylines, palms, olives and loquats. All seem to fit the bill, even the oleanders with our changing climate and ability to grow more tender subjects.
As I was leaving the showground a national paper called for comment on topiary. A well-known authority has pointed out that topiary is the big buzz fashion at Chelsea 2008. Have I seen more topiary this year and do I agree? Although I have not had a chance to look around the show I expect there will be lots of topiary - there always is. For me sustainable planting is the order of the day. I want "good doers" in my own garden - plants with a long season of interest that withstand whatever nature throws at them. Plants that resist pests and diseases and that do not need summer watering. This can seem like a tall order, but believe me there are plenty.
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