• Helpline:

    020 8804 7474

5 Reasons to Visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

 Garden Design, Garden Furniture  1 Response »
May 142012

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most famous garden shows in the world, and if you love gardening, it’s quite a spectacle to see. Consisting of show gardens, flower pavilions, a huge range of garden brands and retail spaces, and the chance to see some famous faces, it’s the number one event on the gardening calendar. And, if you’ve ever wondered just why you should visit this world famous event, here are five reasons to get your inspiration flowing.

 

Design inspiration

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012 - Garden Design InspirationIf you’ve ever been stuck for a garden idea, then Chelsea will certainly have something to spark your creativity. Aside from its very famous main show gardens which show the latest design and styling tips that you can use in your own outside space, the event has a range of smaller artisan and fresh gardens. Designers of these gardens have to think even more outside of the box than those in the main areas, offering some inspiring and innovative design ideas to take away from your visit.

 

Outstanding history

The RHS first started gardening events in 1833, but RHS Chelsea really began when the highly regarded horticultural company moved their show to the Chelsea Hospital grounds in 1905.

Diarmuid Gavin, 2011 gold medal winner, said “The Chelsea Flower Show is an amazing event which works due to the intoxicating mix of circumstance and planning.London in spring is a delight due to nature wanting to put on its best show. Add to that the background of wonderful Christopher Wren architecture, the proximity of the Thames and the ambition and resilience of the Royal Horticultural Society, who have succeeded for 99 years in attracting those who want to show off, and those who wish to be entertained”.

The show has been an annual event since the early 1900’s, and apart from a few cancelled years throughout World War I and II, the gardening show offers not only modern innovation but a long undertaken British tradition.

 

Shopping

If you’ve ever spent a weekend trailing through garden centre after garden centre, you’ll know the joy of horticultural shopping. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show has a huge range of products on offer, from garden ornaments and luxurious garden furniture, to tools, trugs and tea towels. It’s the ideal place to pick up some gifts for friends, or even yourself. And, if you’ve wanted some retail therapy with a huge choice in garden themed products, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is perfect.

Chelsea flower show - garden furniture

 

Famous faces

Passionate gardeners from around the world flock to Chelsea every year, and both novices and professionals can all be found in one spot. Many of the gardens are created and designed by TV gardeners from the horticultural world, and you’ll have the chance to spot some of your favourite gardening celebrities amongst the plants. A large number of other celebrities also take the opportunity to visit the show on their trips to London so, whilst you’re exploring the extensive grounds of the show, keep your eyes alert for some famous faces.

 

Plants

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012

Plants take centre stage at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and whether you’re looking for a new flowering shrub, a vivacious flowering climber or the latest annual beauties, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the show on its last day, get ready for the huge plant sell off when the bell rings at 4pm. This is your chance to get many of the plants from the show gardens and stands themselves, and you’ll be absolutely amazed at just how cheap you could get some of the worlds healthiest, beautiful and best cared for.

 

+1 Additional Reason

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is very special to us. We will in fact be celebrating our 23rd year at the prestigious show this year. The show starts on 22nd May and finishes on 26th May. During this time we welcome all visitors to the Bridgman stand which will be located along Western Avenue – stand WA5.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Posted by Robert at 12:01 pm  Tagged with:

Bridgman Factory Shop – April Competition Winner Announced

 Garden Furniture  No Responses »
May 092012

 

Winner of the Bridgman factory shop competition - April 2012

Throughout April we ran a free prize draw, open to all customers that visited our garden furniture shop in Enfield. The prize up for grabs was an aluminium table and chair set (RRP £500). We received a great response & after drawing the winner at random we’re pleased to announce the result:

The winner of Bridgman’s Factory shop competition for April was Carol Warwick from Chingford (pictured right with our shop manager Amancio).

We are running another prize draw this month, for your chance to win visit our factory shop in London.

 

Posted by Robert at 11:50 am  

Gardening Jobs – what to do this May Bank Holiday

 Garden Design  No Responses »
May 042012

If you’re a keen gardener, then come rain or shine, the May Bank Holiday is a time when getting out into the garden is a must. At this time of the year, when things have really started to grow, there’s a lot to be getting on with and you can easily miss important jobs. This year, when there’s been so much rain in the past few months, plants have sprung into life with even more vigour than many previous years. And, whether you’re a vegetable grower or have a beautiful garden of tended flowers, there are some ideal jobs to enjoy this weekend.

Ensure that pots are watered

When there’s been so much rain, it’s easy to think that pots won’t need watering. However, the natural shape of pots combined with the fact that the soil cannot take advantage of rising water tables, means that it’s vital to water plants. With hosepipe bans in force for many parts of the country, providing potted plants with a thorough drench this weekend will set them on the path to flourish and flower in the months ahead.

Garden

Start to offer support

In the spring, when everything starts to grow so vigorously, it’s easy to get left behind. Many taller plants are quickly putting on bursts of life and growing towards the sky, and it’s important to start offering them so form of support. Particularly when it’s wet and windy, and plants could therefore be more likely to snap, the use of canes or purpose made metal stakes is crucial. Not only will your plants benefit, but you won’t have to breathe a sigh of relief every time you go outside and discover that your favourite flowers and foliage haven’t been flattened by overnight wind and rain.

Keep the pests at bay

May bank holiday - gardening ideasAs with everything else at this time of year, pests are emerging from their winter retreats and flourishing. This means that pest control in the garden is crucial to avoid infestations. Humid conditions have been perfect for slugs and snails, so protecting vulnerable plants such as hostas and echinacea is important. There are various ways of slug protection, including using pellets, isolating at-risk plants in pots, using beer traps and installing copper tape and collars to stop molluscs in their tracks. Heading out into the garden each evening and collecting rogue slugs and snails is also a good idea. Meanwhile, pests such as vine weevil and lavender beetle (right) should be looked for, as catching problems early can help prevent long term damage.

Pot up seedlings

If you started the year with enthusiastic sowing, then this May Bank Holiday is the ideal time to pot seedlings into large pots. It’s important not to let young plants become pot bound as you’ll restrict future growth, so by continuous potting up, you’ll ensure that all of your young and nurtured seedlings have the best chance at survival.

Tend your vegetable patch

Many vegetable gardeners will have already got off to a good start, and plants such as broad beans may already be in flower. These crops are susceptible to blackfly, and you can reduce the risk of infestation by pinching out the growing tips of the plants at this time of year. This will allow the young beans to develop without being pest smothered. Meanwhile, early crop potatoes that are beginning to appear above the ground can be earthed up, whilst raspberry suckers emerging through the wet soil should be cut back. Many crops such as tomatoes, sweetcorn, peppers and marrows can still be sown, and this weekend is the perfect time to get some new harvests growing.

Sit back and relax

Alternatively, if you’re ahead on your gardening preparations you can sit back and hopefully enjoy some sunshine. If you’re looking for some new outdoor furniture for the summer our shop in London is open throughout the bank holiday weekend. We’re offering some exclusive May bank holiday deals to our readers, so don’t miss your chance to grab a special offer.

All weather rattan garden chair with footrest

 

Image credit: Image 1

 

X37KN895259J

Posted by Robert at 1:00 pm  Tagged with:

How Garden Wall Art Can Bring Your Garden to Life

 Garden Design  No Responses »
May 022012

Many gardeners are artists at heart. We just love to design our exterior living spaces with plenty of comfort, colour and texture. Long a favourite inclusion in classical gardens, garden wall art is on the rise in modern homes as well. From iron and metal wall sculptures to thriving framed gardens with live plants on display, the walls of our homes, sheds, and garages provide the perfect venue for added flare.

 

Static Wall Art

 

garden artWe must be mindful of the climate, and avoid hanging garden art that will deteriorate or rot in the moisture. Leave canvas pieces and watercolours inside, but feel free to bring out items built from durable materials like steel, stone or fired ceramics.

You’ll find a wide range of wall medallions and flat sculptures that add personality to your garden space. But with a little imagination you can move beyond the store-bought versions and create garden wall art of your own.

Shop the local antique shops and garage sales, looking for old iron floor grates, mirrors, heavy picture frames and other items that can double as garden art. Picture frames help to direct your focus, and hanging mirrors adds depth and the illusion of more space. Old iron grates can be mounted to brick or simply left to lean for a casual look.

Create your own pieces with fieldstone and other rocks – towers of stone or dry stone walls can act like sculpture, while smaller pebbles can be used to complement Japanese-style fountains. Asian inspired gardens include a Buddha statue or two, while Celtic knots and other intricate designs work well in eclectic gardens.

Extend your interior living space outside with wall clocks and thermometers. These handy pieces are both attractive and practical. Sundials evoke a bygone era and stone or ceramic pillars can be used as structural components or simply for looks.

 

Live Wall Art

 

garden wall of succulents

 

Consistency in your interior and exterior décor creates synergy, but you’ll want to distinguish the garden in some way. Capture the enchantment of sunshine and fresh air with live garden wall art, like a simple DIY vertical garden. Using an old pallet, landscape fabric and your favourite plants, this weekend project will dress up the garden nicely. Lean it against a brick wall or garden fence to provide a unique focal point in your garden.

  • Live wall art engages multiple senses, creating a beautiful view and pleasant smell. Fill this rustic vertical garden with fragrant herbs that will fill your patio or deck with delicious scents like basil, lemon balm and sage. Some of these herbs also help to repel flying pests, allowing your family to rest peacefully  and unbothered in the garden.

Another easy way to create live garden art is with an old ladder. Use pots in wide range of colours, shapes and sizes, perched or mounted to the  rungs, to create a rainbow of foliage and flowers that rivals the most beautiful paintings. Combined with the DIY vertical garden and a few pieces of static wall art, these repurposed household items dress up your outdoor space with style.

Perfect for modern homes decorated in any style, a mixed selection of garden wall art creates a cozy atmosphere in your garden. Shop the stores, look for items in the antique shops and plan to build a DIY vertical garden. Express your personality and have fun creating an outdoor space to love.

 

You may also be interested in:

Vertical Gardens: Grow Up

Garden Design: How to Make a Great First Impression

How to Design a Rooftop Garden 

 

Image Credit: Image 1, Image 2.

Posted by Robert at 11:08 am  

Four British Gardens You Should Visit

 Garden Design  No Responses »
Apr 232012

Britain is renowned for its gardening culture, and the country is absolutely strewn with beautiful examples of some of the world’s best gardens. There is a long history of gardening within the UK, and though many cultures from the around the planet have shaped and influenced planting and design over the centuries, the quintessentially English garden remains the backbone of many garden greats.

RHS Wisley

Britain is famed for its gardening organisations, and the most recognised is probably the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Their flagship garden, RHS Wisley, is located in Woking and offers an absolute treat for gardeners wanting inspiration. Open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day, the 240 acres are packed with planting ideas and offer great insight into the gardening year. The newly planted Rose Garden is a great sight to explore, especially with its more contemporary planting, whilst visiting the Glasshouse offers tropical flowers and foliage. There are many planting areas to offer inspiration, whatever garden type visitors may have in their own space too, catering to a wide range of preferences. Meanwhile, with an orchard, nursery, stunning views and friendly staff to help with questions, it’s the ideal British garden to explore.

RHS Wisley

 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

A relatively modern garden in comparison to many, Sissinghurst Castle Garden was created during the 1920s by the writer Vita Sackville-West and Sir Harold Nicolson. It has become one of the most visited gardens in England, largely because it is one of the most romantic outside retreats in the entire country and offers colour all year round.

The garden was developed around a concept of many small garden rooms, and each has its own colour and intimacy. The White Garden is one of the most famous ‘rooms’, and in each space visitors will find that many traditional English plants are interwoven with rarer and more exotic species. There is also surprise when entering each area, with different planting combinations and designs offering something new at every turn.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

 

Wrest Park

Wrest Park is one of the English gardens that has been hidden for so long, but which is now being unveiled thanks to English Heritage. The 90 acre site is located in Bedfordshire, and stunning gardens, including the recently restored Rose and Italian Gardens, are situated around a French-style mansion.

Like many large garden estates, there are several key elements and features of the gardens that visitors can enjoy on their stroll around Wrest Park. The Long Water, with its edging of perfectly clipped laurel, leads the eye down towards Archer’s Pavilion (below). Wrest Park’s Orangery is said to have held the tallest orange trees in England which had to be wheeled out of the greenhouse during the summer months. Meanwhile, on the east side of the house sits the tiny Le Petit Trianon; a gabled wooden cottage which was modelled around Mme de Pompadour’s Versailles chateau. In addition to these features, a beautifully laid out woodland area, Chinese temple and Dogs’ Cemetery are all locations which shouldn’t be missed on a trip to this British gem.

Wrest Park

 

Stowe Landscape Gardens

One of the most famed British gardeners was Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, and he was head gardener at Stowe Landscape Gardens. These gardens cover a vast 750 acres and contain 40 temples and historic monuments to visit in addition to the planting and design aspects. Founded in 1710, gardening developments and changes have been made throughout the decades, and the garden has been open to visitors from the mid 18th century. In historical terms, Stowe Landscape Gardens is recognised as one of Britain’s most important horticultural designs, changing the shape of gardening and leading to where garden design lies today.

 

Stowe Landscape Gardens

 

Image Credit: Image 1, Images 2 – 5, Image 6, Image 7

 

Posted by Robert at 3:15 pm  

DIY Vertical Garden

 Garden Design  4 Responses »
Apr 202012

Garden walls or 'vertical gardens' have gained a lot of notoriety over recent years with designers such as Patrick Blanc setting the standards. Vertical gardens can come in all shapes and sizes, some scaling entire buildings, whilst others sit in offices, gardens or private homes. Below I would like to show you how you can create your own vertical garden using a wooden pallet. This guide was inspired by Fern Richardson (Life on the Balcony) & Stephanie Lawrence (Design*Sponge), and the images are courtesy of  Design*Sponge.

DIY Vertical Garden Wall

To embed, copy and paste the code below:

Posted by Robert at 9:44 am  Tagged with: , ,

Competition: Help Us Find Britain’s Best Garden Pet

 Garden Furniture  No Responses »
Apr 192012

Bridgman teak garden furniture set

Do you love your garden as much as your pets? We want to find Britain’s best garden pet! Send us a picture of your pet in the garden for your chance to win an attractive 4 seater teak garden furniture set (RRP £550). For full competition details head over to our competitions page.

 

 

Posted by Robert at 5:47 pm  

Vertical Gardens: Grow Up

 Garden Design  No Responses »
Apr 162012

Though gardens have traditionally been outside spaces that allow us to wander amongst the plants themselves, increasing city life has led to space becoming a premium which doesn’t allow for many green spaces. This has meant the designers have had to increasingly come up with innovative and contemporary garden spaces which can be used for both pleasure and function. And, one area that is becoming increasingly popular in the cityscape is vertical gardening.

 

Vertical Garden - Quai Branly

Some of the most familiar vertical gardens are those understood as living walls; a concept where low growing and small plants are placed into a matrix which is then fixed to a wall. Such designs can be immense in their size and can cover the entire sides of buildings to create a living structure. They are also increasingly being used inside building spaces too, such as foyers and receptions, to create a contemporary and eco-friendly ambiance for people to enjoy. The Musee de quai Branly in Paris (left) is one space which has a remarkable vertical garden created by Patrick Blanc. Another work of this garden designer’s can be seen in London, on the Athenaeum Hotel, showing that vertical gardening is not only for tropical regions, but can be used to great effect in temperate urban areas too.
However, not all vertical gardens are of this grand scale, and the increasing popularity of utilising the concept in home spaces, is rising. This has led to many companies now providing products which you can use to create a vertical garden in your own home. From livening up the side of your house or patio using a vertical wall of plants instead of the traditional climbers, to podiums of pots which you can plant herbs and vegetables in to grow on your balcony, vertical gardens are becoming increasingly common.

Pocket planting for vertical gardensThere are many advantages to vertical gardens. Firstly, one of the main reasons which has led to the innovation of growing upwards is the lack of space, and vertical gardening allows you to grow plants in the smallest of areas. Using a combination of little plant species, living walls on both a commercial and small home-grown system can look wonderful, maximising growing space and offering a green outlook to those who want to avoid views of concrete and bricks. So, there is also the aesthetic benefit to think of, allowing cities and thriving metropolises which are traditionally sparse of greenery, to create spaces which are both beneficial to mental and physical health. In addition, those who want to grow vegetables at home but lack a garden can utilise vertical gardens to grow easy foodstuffs such as herbs and salads (right).

 

Plants are well known for their positive effects, which cover a wide degree of aspects. It is well regarded that a planted area of greenery and flowers is less likely to attract vandalism and crime, helping to instil a positive setting for an area. Plants are also very good at absorbing pollutants and chemicals which may be in the air, filtering out damaging toxins and releasing oxygen. Both of these factors are especially important in towns and cities, and the use of vertical gardening may not only increase the physical health of residents, but offer subtle social reforms to substantially increase an areas positive ambiance. Another environmental benefit is that water can also be carefully controlled. Whereas in a garden setting where watering plant growth simply results in water disappearing into the ground, in vertical gardens, water can be filtered down through living walls of plants, collected and reused again, minimising the amount of wastage of this vital commodity.

Vertical garden wall

Vertical garden use is increasing, maximising the space that is available and offering many more people the opportunity to grow and enjoy plants. And, with its numerous benefits, the vertical gardening phenomenon is set to only increase in popularity.

 

Image Credit: Image 3

Posted by Robert at 2:05 pm  Tagged with:

7 Great Ideas for Your Home Exterior

 Garden Design  No Responses »
Apr 142012

When you come home after a busy day, nothing says, “welcome home” better than a good-looking house and garden. You know your hard work accounts to something when you see that your home is in good shape and is an asset to the neighborhood.

Painting, roofing, siding, gutters, landscaping –all these major investments keep your home solid. But once the critical maintenance, renovations, and repairs are done, you still might want to enhance the exterior of your home.

Here are seven special ideas for quick fixes to complement your garden and make the outside of your house stand out.
 

1. Put in a New Path. 

Tired of walking over wet grass to get to the garage? Put in a path. If you are looking for a DIY project, you can lay the stones yourself. Or hire a landscape gardener to do the job. Paths are not just practical; they lend structure to the garden design.

garden path

 

2. Add Window Boxes. 

Major renovations to the landscaping may seem like an overwhelming task, but you can liven up your front entrance with colourful window boxes. Fill them with bulbs for spring, annuals in summer, mums in the fall, and evergreen bows for winter.
 

3. Extend the Drainpipe. 

Water that collects at the bottom of a downspout erodes the turf, breeds insects, and can rot your foundation. Drainpipe extenders let you direct the water away from your foundation where it can filter through the soil.
 

4. Install a Trellis.

A trellis can add interest to an empty vertical space.  Quite a variety of flowers and shrubs will be happy to climb up the wall with the support of a trellis. Consider climbing roses, climbing hydrangea, morning glories, wisteria, passionflower, honeysuckle, and clematis.

wisteria

 

5. Highlight Your Steps.

If the outside lights don’t shine directly on the steps to your front door, you may have a tripping hazard. Paint a two-inch line on the edge of each step to make it easier and safer for you and your guests to navigate through your garden to your door at night.
 

6. Paint Your Front Door.

A good house paint job can last 15 years, but you can change the colour of the door whenever you want. For a warmer look on a white house, change the door from black to aquamarine. A beige door on a brown house is a conservative monotone; paint the door a contrasting colour (maybe red?) if you want to shake things up a bit.

front door

 

7. Get a New Doormat.

How long has your doormat been at your front door? If you’re like most people, probably a long time. A new doormat is an inexpensive way to spiff up the outside of your home. Show your commitment to the environment with “green” products such as water absorbing mats and mats made from recycled materials.

 

If you are a ‘do-it-yourselfer’, you can put any of these ideas in place in a weekend. It won’t take you long to add special touches to the outside of your home.

 

Image Credit: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Posted by Robert at 12:00 pm  

How to Design a Rooftop Garden

 Garden Design  No Responses »
Apr 102012

Rooftop gardens have become increasingly popular, and for good reason too. Above all, rooftop gardens add beauty and leisure space to cities. They attract birds, butterflies, and other insects, making up for some of the wild habitat these critters have lost. Roof gardens even provide space for small-scale food production.

Rooftop gardens also have practical benefits. By insulating the roof they keep the building cooler and lower costs for both heating and cooling. The plants improve air quality by filtering out air pollutants.  By holding water in the plants and planting medium, the gardens reduce storm water runoff, an important issue in urban areas.

 

Rooftop Garden in Chelsea, NYC.

A properly designed and maintained roof garden increases the life of a roof system and the value of the property. But rooftop garden design has special considerations; here are a few important points to think about.

 

Load Capacity

You must load the load capacity of the roof before you plan your garden. Ideally, a roof garden will be integrated into a new roof system.  Otherwise, you must work around the limitations of the existing roof.

The first step in designing your rooftop garden is to consult with a structural engineer or architect. The engineer or architect can determine the load capacity of the roof at different spots. The load capacity determines the type of garden you can plant.

The weight or load of the garden includes the plants, growing media, containers, structural and design elements, snow loads, HVAC equipment, water storage, and the people who maintain and use the space.  A roof garden can weigh between 100 and 725 kilos per square meter.

Where load capacity is minimal, a container garden or raised bed garden may be the best choice. Container gardens weigh less than planted gardens, especially if you use lightweight containers and planting medium.

 

Other Design Considerations

Include in your rooftop garden design plan:

  • Access to the roof;
  • Emergency exits;
  • Enclosures such as guards and railings;
  • Handicap accessibility, as required or desired;
  • Watering systems (roof storage or automatic system);
  • Windbreaks. Lattices and trellises reduce the flow of the wind without trying to stop it completely.

Zoning and permit requirements vary by location. In addition to checking local codes, you need to check insurance requirements and liability issues.

Rooftop garden design in NYC

 

The Layered Look

Much like a natural landscape or ground-hugging garden, a rooftop garden is based on layers. Only these layers protect the roof as well as giving the plants a place to grow.

A well designed rooftop garden should have the following:

  • Wind barrier. Keeps planting medium in place until the plant roots take hold.
  • Plants. Plants that are drought tolerate and prefer poor soil tend to do best. Sedum plants do well in many locations.
  • Growing medium. The growing medium provides, drainage, nutrients, and a place for roots to take hold.  The growing medium should be as deep as possible. Compost and other lightweight materials are good.
  • Geotextile or filter mat. The mat lets water soak through but prevents soil erosion.
  • Drainage layer. A drainage layer keeps the growing medium aerated and holds excess water. It can also be used as water storage. Gravel works well, but Styrofoam peanuts are lighter.
  • Roof barrier. The barrier protects the roof.
  • Waterproof membrane. The membrane should be able to stand up to the chemicals released by some plants.
  • Insulation layer.

 

Think Before You Plant

You have a lot to think about when you design a rooftop garden. It’s fun to plant the trees and flowers, but make sure you set the stage properly before you invite the actors in.

 

 

Rooftop Garden Resources:

http://www.gardendesign.com/tag/rooftop-garden

http://www.designsponge.com/2011/06/rooftop-gardens.html

Image Credit: Curbed

 

Posted by Robert at 12:50 pm  Tagged with:
 Older Entries
© 2012 Bridgman Garden Design Blog Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha