After a successful RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017, designer Manoj Malde of Couture Gardens signs off his Chelsea diary. His garden, Beneath a Mexican Sky sponsored by Inland Homes and Living Landscapes, went on to win a prestigious RHS Silver-Gilt Medal.
At last we were on site. There is always camaraderie and a sense of competition at Chelsea, and this year was no different. Our makeshift site office was set up, the site was marked out and away we went. By the end of the first day, the pool area was excavated and the cappuccino wall was already up.
On day two, the pink and orange walls were built, and render applied to the cappuccino wall. It was exciting to see my vision rising out of the ground. The site was dangerous, with so much heavy machinery moving around – you need eyes in the back of your head. The worst part was when it rained, slowing down work and making planting impossible.
The steps were put in with absolute precision. It took almost a full day, but was worth the time and care. The garden came alive when the walls were painted and the trees planted.
The delivery of the Agave, with its architectural 3m flower spike, was one of many highlights. I had an experienced planting team; every one of them had worked on show gardens before. They cleaned the multi-stem trees and made sure there were no yellowing leaves or broken stems. Cleaning the Agaves was the most difficult.
Beneath a Mexican Sky has been an emotional rollercoaster. One day I was paid such wonderful compliments that I welled up. It was wonderful to hear so many people say the garden made them smile; the rollercoaster ride was worth it.
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