During my tenure at Anglian Home Improvements, I had the opportunity to lead several noteworthy projects. Among them, the 2008 RHS Hampton Court Flower Show stands out as one of the most challenging yet critically acclaimed endeavors. This project was not only a significant departure from our usual participation at the Ideal Home Show but also served as a stepping stone toward our future ambitions, including participation in the Chelsea Flower Show.

Transitioning to a New Opportunity

Moving Beyond the Ideal Home Show

For many years, Anglian Home Improvements had been a prominent exhibitor at the Ideal Home Show, where we occupied a significant space of over 140 square meters. However, with the rising costs and a noticeable decline in both sales and footfall, it became clear that we needed to explore new opportunities to maintain our competitive edge. The decision to venture into the world of show gardens was bold, and it came with its own set of pressures and expectations.

Embracing the Challenge of a Show Garden

Given our limited experience in the field of horticulture, we recognized the need for a different approach to ensure success. Our strategy involved collaborating with one of the leading horticultural colleges, leveraging their expertise in flora while we focused on providing the labor, structures, and project management necessary to bring the concept to life within the strict timelines set by the RHS submission criteria.

Collaboration with Capel Manor College

Establishing a Partnership

After successful negotiations with Capel Manor College and gaining the approval of the RHS, we devised a competition brief for the college’s final-year students and recent graduates. The challenge was to design a 10×10 meter show garden. The students would focus on the flora and fauna, while Anglian Home Improvements would handle the construction of the hard landscaping. With our extensive pool of skilled fitters, many of whom had honed their trades in various areas of construction before joining us, we were well-equipped to take on this task.

The Competition and Selection Process

The competition ran for two months, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. We received approximately 50 entries, each showcasing a different level of creativity and finesse. After a blind review by the judges, one submission stood out among the rest. Krista Grindley, a recent graduate, won the honors with her striking black, white, and green garden design. Her concept, which featured a blend of water elements, seating areas, and impressive height, was unanimously selected as the winner.

Following a series of meetings and some fine-tuning with the lecturers at Capel Manor College, we finalized the design specifications and began preparations for the project.

Overcoming Challenges on the Ground

Site Preparation and Initial Setbacks

The show’s venue, opposite Hampton Court Palace, is typically a lush parkland frequented by deer for most of the year. For the flower show, the grass is mowed, and the grounds are temporarily transformed into a space for the event. One of the critical requirements of the RHS was that every bit of turf and grass removed during the construction had to be returned to its original condition after the show. This meant that any ground we disturbed was essentially “borrowed” and needed to be meticulously restored.

Our site presented a particular challenge due to the water feature included in the design. The area needed to be entirely flat, ideally sloping from back to front. However, the site was naturally sloping in the opposite direction by approximately three feet over the ten-meter span. To address this, we had to build up the hard landscaping by three feet, using spoil from other sites. This not only solved our leveling issue but also helped the RHS by reducing the need to transport soil to distant spoil heaps.

Complex Construction and Precision

The design concept required complex mathematical calculations to ensure perfect alignment of the grid system. Precision was crucial, especially with the sharp eyes of RHS judges who would scrutinize every detail. Our garden featured two main flooring surfaces, with glass laid over a stream that began inside a conservatory, flowed through patio doors, under exterior flooring, and into a stainless steel water feature.

With just three weeks to complete the entire construction on-site, the challenge was immense. Coordinating the delivery of materials and managing the construction across multiple suppliers from all over the UK added another layer of complexity. Despite these challenges, our suppliers were exceptional, with only one piece of stainless steel needing to be remade, which was done within 24 hours.

One of the most time-consuming aspects was finding the exact starting point for our construction. This required two full days of work, as we needed to calculate angles and dimensions with absolute accuracy on a 10×10 meter plot of bare earth. After relaying the base stones three times, we finally got everything aligned and could proceed with the construction.

The Team Effort

Our team, comprised of over 40 individuals, worked tirelessly under intense conditions. The summer heat reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun was relentless throughout the three weeks of construction. We had a 40-foot shipping container filled with plants, with more deliveries arriving as needed. The hard work of our team, combined with the invaluable assistance from digger drivers and loaders, made it possible to bring the garden to life.

Achieving Recognition and Success

Final Preparations and Judging

As we approached the final day, there was a tremendous push to perfect every detail. The entire site was cleaned, beautified, and hosed down to ensure it was ready for the judges. The RHS judging process is highly secretive and involves a meticulous comparison of the final garden against the plans and brief we had submitted. Given that this was our first attempt at a show garden, and considering the level of competition, our expectations were cautious.

Award and Outcome

To our great pride and surprise, we were awarded a Silver Gilt medal, just narrowly missing out on the Gold. This achievement was a testament to the hard work and dedication of Krista and the entire team. For a first-time effort, it was an exceptional accomplishment, particularly when considering that even seasoned garden designers sometimes fail to achieve such high recognition.

The Impact of the Project

While the weather turned against us the following day, leading to a washout for most of the week, we had already secured what we needed. The medal, extensive PR coverage, and visibility on BBC1 significantly boosted our brand’s reputation. The project not only showcased our capabilities in a new domain but also elevated our standing within the industry.

Conclusion

Reflecting on this experience, I am reminded of the importance of meticulous planning, collaboration, and perseverance. The 2008 RHS Hampton Court Flower Show was a project that required us to step outside our comfort zone and tackle challenges we had never faced before. The result was not only a beautifully crafted garden but also a testament to the skills and dedication of everyone involved.

As I now focus on my work with Thetford Photography, I bring the same level of commitment and attention to detail to every project I undertake. You can trust that any project you entrust to me will be executed to the highest standards, with a relentless focus on quality and client satisfaction.