Case Study: Chelsea Flower Show – A Garden Display

Written By Goda Gavėnytė

Project: RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Project Scope: bespoke seating, structural elements, and design elements crafted from locally sourced English Sweet Chestnut

In 2020, Object Atelier had the distinct honor of collaborating with Hardys Cottage Garden Plants and the renowned horticulturalist Rosie Hardy on a unique design for the Chelsea Flower Show. Though the show itself was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rosie Hardy was determined to bring her beautiful, bespoke garden design to life, ensuring that the project would still have a lasting impact. The display was instead unveiled at Hardys Cottage Garden Plants' nursery, with a special opening led by Adam Frost, a celebrated horticulturalist and television presenter.

Our role in this prestigious project was to create bespoke outdoor seating, structural design elements, and other key features that complemented the garden's aesthetic. The emphasis was placed on combining functionality with natural beauty, using sustainably sourced materials that would stand the test of time in both form and durability.

Project Highlights and Scope of Work

  • Bespoke Seating: designed to blend seamlessly into the garden space, the seating provided a comfortable and inviting place for visitors to enjoy the surrounding plants and flowers. Crafted from locally sourced English Sweet Chestnut, the seating elements showcased the rich, natural texture and grain of the wood, perfectly complementing the organic beauty of the garden

  • Structural Elements: alongside the seating, structural elements were created to frame the garden and add a sense of depth. These elements were thoughtfully designed to not only support the overall vision of the garden but also to stand as functional sculptures that captured the eye

  • Custom Features: in addition to seating and structural elements, various other bespoke features were incorporated into the garden to create visual interest and enhance the atmosphere. These custom-crafted pieces were made with precision to ensure that they contributed to the overall theme while remaining functional for garden visitors

Materials and Craftsmanship

The use of English Sweet Chestnut was pivotal in achieving a rustic, natural look while ensuring the materials were locally sourced and sustainable. This choice of wood not only contributes to environmental goals but also adds a timeless quality to the design, with its natural beauty and durable properties. The material was carefully selected for its strength, texture, and warmth, making it the perfect choice for the garden’s bespoke seating and structural elements.

Each piece was handcrafted with attention to detail, ensuring that it not only enhanced the overall aesthetic but also provided the durability needed for outdoor use. The handcrafted nature of the elements added a unique touch that could not be replicated, setting the design apart from more mass-produced alternatives.

Design Collaboration and Inspiration

Rosie Hardy, known for her innovative approach to horticulture, collaborated closely with Object Atelier to ensure that each piece of joinery complemented the overall design of the garden. The collaboration was built on a shared passion for high-quality, bespoke design and a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience through the integration of natural materials.

While the Chelsea Flower Show 2020 was unfortunately cancelled, the project’s success was never in doubt. The garden's unveiling at the Hardys Cottage Garden Plants nursery allowed the public to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of the design, with the added prestige of being opened by Adam Frost, whose involvement brought further recognition to the project.

Project Outcome

The result was a beautifully crafted, bespoke garden design that was at once modern and rustic, with a focus on sustainability, functional design, and timeless craftsmanship. The thoughtful use of materials, paired with the innovative vision of Rosie Hardy and the expert craftsmanship of Object Atelier, ensured that the garden display stood out and left a lasting impression on visitors.

The bespoke seating and structural elements not only elevated the visual appeal of the garden but also created a space where people could engage with nature in a meaningful and comfortable way. The project highlighted our ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities to create pieces that are both functional and visually striking.

A Special Thank You to Rosie Hardy

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Rosie Hardy and Hardys Cottage Garden Plants for choosing Object Atelier to collaborate on this extraordinary project. It was an absolute pleasure to bring our expertise in bespoke joinery and custom outdoor design to the table, working with such a talented team to deliver a project that reflects a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

See the full project here: https://www.objectatelier.co.uk/commercial-bespoke-furniture-portfolio/chelsea-flower-shoe-rose-hardy

If you’re planning a garden design or looking to incorporate bespoke joinery into your project, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at contact@objectatelier.co.uk to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life, or if you’re in the area, feel free to visit our workshop in South East London to see our work firsthand.

References

Goda Gavėnytė
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