Garden will explore future of urban farming
A show garden at this year’s (2019) RHS Chelsea Flower Show will imagine the future of urban farming. In a collaboration between Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio and IKEA, the garden will explore sustainable, affordable and forward-thinking solutions for people to grow food and medicinal plants at home and beyond.
The show garden, designed by Tom Dixon, will be divided into two levels and explore the contrast of the super-natural and technological to explore the future of growing. While the base of the garden forms a horticultural laboratory, where hydroponic technology is used to grow hyper-natural edibles, the top raised garden will form a botanic oasis with a naturalistic aesthetic to encourage visitors to immerse themselves in a canopy-like ecosystem of trees, flowers and plants.
The garden is in the Show Garden category and will showcase the potential for urban farms and consider the future of the environment.
Tom explains that gardening is unique in its universal appeal and its transformational power: “Without plants and more planting, we are all in trouble,” he says. “Although we are not traditional garden designers, we think we can demonstrate ways that anybody could make a small difference and broadcast, not only the beauty, but also the functional importance of horticulture through both traditional knowledge and the latest in growing innovation.”
Creative Leader at IKEA, James Futcher points out that food is a crucial part of everyday life and together with Tom, IKEA wants to inspire and enable a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. He hopes the garden will challenge the way society looks at growing and that it’s both possible and rewarding to grow your own plants in the city.
Tom established Design Research Studio in 2003 to work on innovative projects and products with a wide variety of partners and has delivered high concept interiors, architectural and retail design as well as exhibitions.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 21st to 25th May 2019.
Picture credit: Garden plan ©Tom Dixon/IKEA
