Undertaking a show garden is always a challenge, but when you are given just three weeks to design and build a small, edible-themed urban garden, the heat really is on. However, Adam Frost managed to create a truly inspirational and practical display at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (7–12 July) this year.
The show organiser, the Royal Horticultural Society, had teamed up with London Major Boris Johnson, and Rosie Boycott (Chair of London Food), to help promote Capital Growth - an initiative to get London residents growing fruit and veg, while reconnecting them with the food they eat. As a result, the RHS invited three designers to create front garden designs that blended great gardens with practical food growing ideas.
Adam’s design used blocks of Buxus (box) to give solidity and form to the space, as did raised wooden planters for fruit and veg. Elsewhere in the front garden, growing areas combined ornamental and productive plants, demonstrating just how beautiful and interesting mixed planting really can be.
The design aimed to respond to the needs of a couple who wanted to combine their passion for cooking with their love of gardens, and their love of fresh produce. The upshot was a space that most people would love to have outside – with the blend of productive and ornamental plants warmly welcoming them every time they step through their front door. It is hoped such ideas can now roll out across London, to get those in the capital city fully engaged with front gardens and with growing their own produce.