RHS Hampton Court Show Garden- July 2008.
Selina has designed her first show garden for Danish Hearing aid manufacturer WIDEX. It is a small show garden intended to help visitors appreciate the sounds that are around them in the garden. It provides a relaxing outdoor retreat in which the rhythms of the garden can be appreciated.
How did you get into horticulture?
Very gradually! As a child I always loved being outdoors and I had my own patch of garden where I grew seeds. In my 20’s I got my first actual garden which was tiny with thick concrete paths all around. I designed and created my first garden with the help of my Mum who taught me everything she knew about plants. I also recorded all the TV programs and avidly read every issue of Gardening Which.
During my 30’s I adapted our next garden to suit the needs of our family as they grew and designed friends gardens on the back of envelopes.
Then in 2006 (in my 40’s!) I did my formal training as a garden designer at Merrist Wood under Andrew Wilson. I fully immersed myself in the course, the library, the internet. I visited gardens all round the country and in France too. I took photos, studied and noticed more and more all the beauty around me. It has been the discovery of my life’s work – I believe we all have God given creativity and I am grateful that I’ve discovered mine and it can be used in making the outdoors more beautiful. It took me a while but I’m glad I have discovered it now!
Designer poll:
What is your top environmentally responsible gardening tip?
Plant more. As a garden designer I am always planting more plants and normally trees too. Invariably I’m increasing the numbers and range of species too. All this is great for the environment.
What do you think will be the ‘next big thing’ in gardening? What particular trends will dominate the season? What is the ‘must have’ plant for 2008?
I think the ‘next big thing’ is going to be that gardens are good for us! In the frenetic pace of modern day life we all need an outdoor refuge to get some fresh air and clear our heads. Gardens are good for our souls.
My ‘must have’ plant is the feathery silver leafed Willow (Salix exigua). In fact I think willow is great there are some fab stem colours and the foliage is feathery and delicate. You get something for every season with it. Winter –coloured stems, spring busting buds summer – feathery, fluid foliage, autumn leaves change colour and fall.
Growing your own
I think this is set to increase as there is great the satisfaction in growing and eating what we grow. Just think of all those vitamins and the transport reduction! Even if its just a pot of mangetout on a balcony, this is something we can all enjoy.