LJ Show Garden At Hampton Court 2010?

There was a while ago some suggestions about doing an LJ garden at one of the larger shows. Do you think it would be feasible for some of LJ members to stage a show garden at Hampton Court next year?Having exhibited a small garden before at Hampton and there are five main areas to consider if we were to go a head. Each area would require a co-ordinator, as there would be too much work involved for a show garden for just one person.In brief:1. Funding/SponsorshipThe main costs will be materials, plants with other expenses such as water, electricity, insurance etc to consider.. Materials: We could approach a national company such as Travis Perkins, Global Stone or Bradstone. These type of companies could probably do with raising their profile and would be able to supply all the materials such as paving, sand, cement for free.. Other than the obvious sponsorship as above, we could approach charities and commercial organisations. Whoever stumps up the cash will have to cover all the expenses involved except labour and perhaps accommodation and sustenance.. Features: Members such as Helen, Michael and others make and supply furniture and features so would have a showcase for their wares. Internet companies may be willing to lend other garden products we can’t supply. Exhibitors at the show could also be approached, as their merchandise would be ‘in situ’ within a garden and not just on their stand.2. DesignThe process of designing will be tricky the ‘team’ would HAVE to meet up face to face and discuss the garden, several times. Is the garden to be contemporary, rustic, rural, urban… Who will draw the final plan. Will the planting be agreed upon. All points to consider if we are going to be able to work together. At the end of the day, perhaps Phil would the final say as to the theme and design of the garden.3. ConstructionThis may not be as difficult to organise as the design. Landscape members could declare any of their speciality skills, be it self binding gravel, water feature construction, stone walling, brick laying etc, this would then give the design team ideas to include in the design.Some/most of the construction can be pre-fabricated before the show to save time.4. Plants & PlantingPlants: There are many members of LJ who are nursery and plant specialists that could supply plants on a sale or return basis. This would be a fantastic opportunity for the nurseries and would swell their coffers considerably. London show garden prices are high! Any turf would probably be skipped. As for planting, there are hundreds of green fingers on this network!5. PublicityWill discuss this if the idea is of interest.Do you think we would be able to work together and make a show garden?

Hi Katherine

We have discussed building a show garden when this site first started but we had too few members - I did notice that TGN had mooted the idea too as for competition ;-0)

I would like to thank Kerrie for posting this up - we had discussed the idea i the last few days. Stuart Marler, Kerrie and myself feel that the time might be right to give this a go.

If we can pool resources, raise funds and work as a team then it is possible to get a small garden built at Hampton Court for 2010.

We need to raise the money to do it.

We need a pool of skills to achieve it.

We need a pool of supporters to encourage us.

We need donations of plants and garden statuary.

We need promoting.

Probably the most essential is a team who can work together, for each other and the site as a whole, who can help deliver the garden and hopefully, win a medal.

If you have read through Kerrie's post and you feel you can help (especially wit earl planning) then please contact Kerrie or/and Stuart.

Replies

Andrew Fereday August 3, 2009 at 9:51pm

I'm definitely up for it. Probably not so good on the construction side of things but I'm happy to work on the plant side of things and generally running or whatever else.
Kerrie John-The garden design Co August 3, 2009 at 10:01pm

That's great Andy! Thanks.
Graeme @ BGS August 3, 2009 at 10:02pm

What a brilliant idea!
PRO

Phil Voice August 3, 2009 at 10:07pm

Thanks for this Kerrie

I think this would be great for LJN and our members.
Lawncare-4u.co.uk August 4, 2009 at 3:03am

Sound's good !
PRO

Phil Voice August 4, 2009 at 8:38am

Hi Katherine

We have discussed building a show garden when this site first started but we had too few members - I did notice that TGN had mooted the idea too as for competition ;-0)

I would like to thank Kerrie for posting this up - we had discussed the idea i the last few days. Stuart Marler, Kerrie and myself feel that the time might be right to give this a go.

If we can pool resources, raise funds and work as a team then it is possible to get a small garden built at Hampton Court for 2010.

We need to raise the money to do it.

We need a pool of skills to achieve it.

We need a pool of supporters to encourage us.

We need donations of plants and garden statuary.

We need promoting.

Probably the most essential is a team who can work together, for each other and the site as a whole, who can help deliver the garden and hopefully, win a medal.

If you have read through Kerrie's post and you feel you can help (especially wit earl planning) then please contact Kerrie or/and Stuart.
Graeme @ BGS August 4, 2009 at 8:51am

More than happy to help out where I can. To get the ball rolling I will pledge at least £1,000 but would like to see an artificial lawn in the design which again I will be happy to supply.
PRO

Phil Voice August 4, 2009 at 9:00am

That's a very generous offer Graeme - thanks.

I cannot make the decision on the artificial lawn but your idea can go into the 'melting pot' for consideration.
pete August 4, 2009 at 9:44am

just a small one eh Graeme - couldn't they come up with a better name than artificial?
Graeme @ BGS August 4, 2009 at 12:02pm

How much will this project cost (ball park)? Assume that we would donate our time for nothing and most supplies we should be able to beg, steal or borrow and hence very little outlay.

I stand by my pledge on condition that it would include a small fake lawn.