The Children’s Society Fronts New Category At Chelsea

Building on the success of last year’s prestigious medal winning Iggy Pop inspired garden, The Children’s Society returns to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this May with a stunning design that optimises a small urban space for modern families.

The Children’s Society Garden in the new front garden section at Chelsea also addresses recycling, offering children a fun place to spend time where they can learn about environmental responsibility.

Designer Mark Gregory, a veteran of the Chelsea Flower Show, hopes to add to his impressive medal tally collected both as a constructor and a designer. Mark said: "This is a garden with children and families at its heart. My design proves that you can have a practical, usable space and be environmentally responsible. The Children’s Society Garden is a garden for future generations – we’re making front gardens green again.’

Richard Johnson at The Children’s Society, said: "This vibrantly designed urban garden is sure to catch the eye of all Chelsea visitors. The environment is one of the many important issues children will face in their lifetime."

The Children’s Society Garden sits in front of a contemporary house façade and uses vertical features to make the most of its small plot. Water gently flows down a basalt wall, flanked by living walls; dry plants at the top, wet thriving plants at the bottom. Two large Saphora japonica trees overlap giving dappled shade under umbrella-pruned canopies. Secure vertical bicycle storage is provided under a cantilevered porch. The garden is bordered by a low fence and hedge of a variety of long grasses. Gravel prevents water run off from the garden, allowing water to return to the ground. This practical design provides a microcosm for birds and insects and incorporates discreet water harvesting and waste & recycling bin storage.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 May 2008.

Visit The Children’s Society website at www.childrenssociety.org.uk