Chelsea flower show inspo
Every year, the Great Spring Show, better known as the Chelsea Flower Show, showcases incredible examples of gardens and plants, attracting throngs of visitors from all over the world. For five days, the show inspires lovers of all things garden to admire what green thumbs have created and possibly recreate elements in their own homes.
This year’s theme, ‘Health, Happiness and Horticulture’ emphasised the advantages of green spaces and adding a touch of nature to drab outdoor spaces. This got me thinking; how many times have you seen a garden that isn’t quite complete? Or, an outdoor area that is stark, uninviting and boring? Just like the interior of a home reflects the style of the owners, so too do the outdoor areas. With spring just around the corner, why not get some inspiration from the Chelsea Flower Show and spruce up your gardens with the latest trends.
Not everyone’s big out back
Every home I see has a different amount of garden space. They vary from expansive backyards, huge frontages, tiny courtyards and even no outdoor green area at all. But, despite these challenges there are some nifty tips to transform even the smallest ‘grey’ front yards into a lush escape.
- Pull up boring, tired pavers and lay down small garden beds.
- Plant shrubs with berries and colourful flowers to attract bees and butterflies. Agapanthus varieties are lovely.
- Think about mixing vegetables and other plants. There’s nothing more enticing than seeing an edible garden from the footpath.
- Cover unsightly or tired fencing with climbers or a quick growing hedge.
- A dwarf tree will provide shade and beauty to even the smallest area.
- Big pots can brighten up even the darkest corner and require very little maintenance.
- Don’t underestimate the power of scents. A herb garden is always a good idea.
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’
A touch of beauty
Experts at the Chelsea Flower Shower picked 8 ‘show stealers’ that were chosen for their enhancing qualities. While the flowers selected are suited to the Northern Hemisphere, many can be grown in Australia and or you can ask advice from your local nursery for an alternative.
- Valeriana officinalis ‘Valerian’ – flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers
- Orlaya grandiflora ‘White Lace Flower’ – A lacy spring annual from the Mediterranean, this flower does well in Sydney
- Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’ – attracts birds and butterflies
- Ballota pseudodictamnus ‘Greek Horehound’ – great in dry areas, drought tolerant
- Eremurus × isabellinus ‘Pinokkio’ – Great for sunny borders, dramatic
- Yucca rostrata ‘Beaked Yucca’– eye-catching and good for landscaping
- Isatis tinctori ‘Woad or Glastum’ – honey-scented yellow flowers
- Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’ – works well with border plants
Objet d’art
You all know I’m an art lover and enjoy collecting interesting pieces that excite the sense. Why not incorporate ‘art’ into your gardens? At the Chelsea Flower Show, many garden products were showcased including sculptures, fire pits, seats and water features. Think about extending your indoor art style into the outdoors. This will create an extension of your flair and reflect your individual stamp in a holistic manner. Have fun with it, but remember to choose items that are more elegant than gaudy. Please, no more Balinese Buddhas.
Outdoor spaces – gardens and courtyards – can be your own private sanctuary. Take the time to create an area that increases your health and your happiness.
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SELLING homes is not just a career; it is an art form – one that is carefully honed over years of life experience and knowledge. And, I can proudly say, that I still absolutely love what I do – day in, day out.