Silver Gilt Medal for Golden Days Moonscape at the RHS Flower Show, Tatton Park 2005
August 2005
Golden Days entry for the 2005 Tatton Show, entitled "Moonscape" designed by Kevin Randall was well received by both the judges and the general public. The panel of seven judges awarded the garden a silver gilt medal, a tremendous achievement for a first time entry.
The garden, featured in the back to back section combined dark foliage and striking blue and white flowers with a contrast of polished steel. As intended, the garden had a tranquil feel with many people imagining themselves sat upon the raised patio area enjoying the surroundings. The strong planting theme and combination of colours was key to the success with many comments about the tall blue Agapanthus, the stunning Eryngiums and the dark leaved Geranium "Midnight Reiter".
Preparations for the garden started months before with the construction of the bespoke features and the gathering and nurturing of high quality specimen plants as expected by the shows standards. On July 11th 2005, all twenty six back to back entrants began construction on their designs. Months of preparation and planning all coming together in a bid for a prestigious RHS award. Only one week is allowed for building as the garden is assessed on the Sunday prior to the show and judged on the Monday. All last minute finishing touches must be complete before the highly qualified judges scrutinize every detail. This is always a nervous time and an agonizing six hours waiting follows. At four o clock excitement in the showground builds as the gardens are awarded their prizes. Joy for some and disappointment for others. Designer Kevin admitted he couldn't bear the pressure and went for a solitary walk but returned to the Golden Days garden to a flurry of activity and the Silver Gilt award.
Throughout the week of the show the garden was highly praised with the vast majority of people enjoying and appreciating a creation designed to be at once useable, attractive and importantly not beyond their imagination. |
