On Thursday 10 May 2018, BALI was awarded Five Stars for its ‘The Secret Garden’ in the trade stand category at this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Flower Show 2018. The 20msq plot impressed judges with the quality of its design, construction, rich planting and attention to detail.
Celebrating a quintessential English garden, BALI’s ‘The Secret Garden’ was designed and planted by both BALI and associate designer member Jane Bingham of The Cheshire Garden and built by BALI Registered Contractor Isola Garden Design. The garden, which had the full support of BALI’s midlands regional committee members, portrayed a classical, traditional design, supported by soft planting and strong lines and provided the perfect showcase for BALI members.
BALI’s chief executive Wayne Grills commented on the accolade; “This is a substantial achievement for BALI and our members who took part, who all kindly offered their time and donated materials to make ‘The Secret Garden’ a reality. It’s the first time BALI has gone to such great lengths to build a trade stand garden of show garden quality at RHS Malvern and I am delighted with the result. A true testament to the quality, professionalism and experience that BALI members are renowned for industry-wide.”
BALI registered contractor Isola Garden Design’s managing director, James Brash, commented on the win; “This is the first ever garden that we have built at the RHS Malvern show and although it was not entered as a show garden, the comments we have received from industry colleagues since finishing the construction have been incredibly positive. Many people are telling me that we should have entered it for a medal. We’ve got the appetite now, and with our award-winning experience in designing and building domestic gardens, we may very well return next year.”
Materials for the garden were supplied by a range of BALI Registered members including Hereford based Wyevale Nurseries who provided over 500 plants for use in the scheme, including two spectacular Cornus kousachin Eddies White trees that impressed judges during the assessment whilst cast stone manufacturer Haddonstone provided two magnificent urns and two charming garden ornaments. Westminster Stone Company provided National Trust collection paving and aggregate whilst Harrod UK supplied two Roman Arches and an Arbour frame with seat. Green-tech, Everedge and British Sugar TOPSOIL also lent support to the project by supplying materials to help provide structure and dress the garden.
BALI associate designer member Jane Bingham of The Cheshire Garden, commented; “It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside BALI and Isola on ‘The Secret Garden’. A real team effort and I am so pleased with how it turned out. I fully appreciate the opportunity that BALI presented to me in getting involved with the project and I look forward to continuing and developing my relationship with the association over the coming year.”
Elsewhere at the show, BALI Registered Contractor Graduate Gardeners took home a Silver-Gilt medal for their Urban Oasis show garden. The garden, designed and built by Mark Draper provides a funky, modern looking space, with movement and pings of colour throughout, surrounded by a dark cladded wall and a yew hedge of the same height.
The RHS Malvern Spring Flower Show started today, Thursday 10 May 2018, and is open until Sunday 13 May 2018, from 9am – 6pm every day.
