Creating your own garden as a designer is a liberating experience, in stark contrast to the structured work of designing for clients. Your home garden becomes a canvas for creativity—a place to sow seedlings, nurture neglected plants and allow spontaneity to thrive. I may even just may purchase on a whim! Crafting a personal garden is a privilege, a unique opportunity to cultivate a patch of earth that reflects your vision.

However, the stakes are notably higher when it comes to designing and installing a show garden. Currently, we find ourselves immersed in the meticulous creation of a show garden for BBC Gardeners’ World Live, a project that has demanded an exhaustive year of planning and swift execution. This endeavour is not just about aesthetics; it’s a culmination of years of thought, offering innovative solutions for our environment, embracing nature-driven approaches, and showcasing artistic craftsmanship.

But why push the boundaries of design and delivery, investing time and resources into something that will only exist for a fleeting moment? It’s a question I’m grappling with as the pressure mounts. The answer lies in our need to transcend the ordinary—to establish something that advocates for positive change.

Consider this: the average garden undergoes replacement every three to four years, typically dismantled within twenty-year cycles. Our mission is to challenge this norm, striving to create enduring gardens that stand the test of time. Trees, for instance, may take two decades to start contributing meaningfully to the environment. Yet, too often, we are asked to uproot trees from gardens before they can fulfil their potential. These vital natural components deserve space and time, much like the individuals inhabiting the spaces we design.

We proudly sponsor this show garden to emphasize the profound impact of human craftsmanship working in harmony with nature. Our goal is to showcase solutions for our climate future, regardless of differing beliefs about climate change. We face urgent challenges: excess water on our roads, population growth, and the pressing need for nature-infused solutions.

If you aim to create a garden that communicates a significant message, it demands extensive planning and vision. With hope, our show garden will stand as a testament to our dedication and hard work. As we approach the final stages of this incredible journey, I am immensely proud of my team’s effort and creativity. I look forward to sharing the fruits of our labour with you, inviting you to witness how we can foster a brighter, greener future through the art of gardening.

Let us transform our landscapes and, by extension, our environment—one garden at a time.