Eden takes a Cornish Oasis to Hampton Court, July 2-8

The Eden Project will be raising a glass to all that is best in plants from Cornwall with the "I’ll Drink to That" garden at Hampton Court Flower Show next week.

The show, from July 2-8, marks the official launch of Eden’s exciting new online plant shop CornishOasis.com, a virtual paradise featuring more than 150 exotic and traditional plants.

Visitors to Eden’s garden at Hampton Court will be able to see and buy many plants from the range, including palms, spikies and succulents, specially supplied by leading Cornish nurseries who have signed up to CornishOasis.com.

The garden has been prepared using recycled and sustainable products by Eden’s Landscape Construction Manager Paul Stone, who has built many award-winning show gardens and won four previous gold medals at Hampton Court and two at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

CornishOasis.com has been received Objective One investment through Cornish Horticulture Enterprises Ltd.

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, said: “It has taken many years of ground breaking work to develop the Eden Supply Chain and create the CornishOasis Project. Together they provide a perfect partnership to develop new markets both nationally and globally for Cornwall’s distinctive quality plants. Congratulations to all involved.”

It is aptly named as all its plants are sourced from growers in Cornwall, a county famed for its luscious gardens, outstanding growing conditions and, of course, the Eden Project, a truly global garden which has attracted more than eight million visitors since opening in 2001.

Camilla Marsh, CornishOasis Project Manager said: "Our garden at Hampton Court will be a fabulous showcase for the best of plants from Cornwall and a great way to launch CornishOasis to the wider world. The website allows anyone to buy from this great range through the internet."

"We have an abundance of plants to choose from when selecting plants from the Cornish nurseries. These nurseries are like Aladdin’s caves with all sorts of treasures waiting to be found."

There will be a strong focus on environmental sustainability as many of the plants on show were deliberately chosen because they don’t need a lot of water.

Camilla Marsh said: "CornishOasis plants are ideally suited for changing climate patterns. Many do well in warmer climates and are used to growing in coastal locations so they’re well adapted to wind too.

"CornishOasis.com is focussed on enthusing everybody about gardening and the positive social benefits from having a great outdoor space to enjoy and spend time in. Our show garden for Hampton Court is designed as an interesting and fun experience, the model of a social space where the whole family can spend time and relax."

Eden acknowledges that CornishOasis could not be a success without the great support and advice of a number of top nurseries.

Camilla Marsh said: "We have worked closely with Trevena Cross Nursery, Trewithen Nursery, Rosewarne Nursery, Greenfield Plants, Old Withy Garden Nursery, The Cornish Rose Company, Millennium Plants and Tregothnan Estate.

"We have benefited in particular from the advice and inspiration from two garden designers in Cornwall plants consultant Isobel Elsey of Idesign visits each nursery once a week to select a range of their best plants for the website. Chris Greene of CG Garden Design has also been key to the initial development of the site."

All of the nurseries have played an essential role in the build up to Hampton Court.

Camilla added: "Special thanks to Trevena Cross who have supplied the majority of plants for our Hampton Court Garden and have valuable experience as exhibitors at flower shows. We have greatly benefited from their help, advice and support."

The garden is designed to be enjoyed by all and Eden has been working with the Sensory Trust who promote an inclusive approach to design and management of outdoor spaces.