Preview of the 2018 Chelsea Show Gardens

Sandy Felton takes a quick look at the 10 large Show Gardens at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Please visit our website over the next few days for continuing updates and our usual post-show gardens reports. Previews of Artisan and Space to Grow gardens will appear tomorrow.

Jo Thompson’s serene and graceful Wedgwood Garden (Gold) the perfect destination to socialise, enjoy nature, drink tea or mellow with a glass of wine. (above)

This is a delightful and peaceful area on Chris Beardshaw’s Morgan Stanley Garden for the NSPCC (Gold). Looking out from the pavilion the space provides a safe and secure sensory environment. Dreamy and calming with some very special touches. (Above)

Welcome to Yorkshire Garden – this had everyone talking on press day, absolutely perfectly executed even down to the sheep droppings! (Gold) Designed by Mark Gregory and certainly does justice to the Yorkshire landscape.(above)

Sarah Price brings an romanticised haven designed for a warm and sunny clime which was just perfect for press day. Awarded a Gold this beautiful and serene garden for show sponsor’s M&G Investments, is certainly stunning.(above)

Hay-Jong Hwang brings a colourful and lively design to this year’s Chelsea with the LG Eco-City Garden (Silver-Gilt). Naturalistic planting shows how to incorporate wildflowers, perennials and looser meadow-style planting and it works wonderfully. (above)

The Lemon Tree Trust Garden (Silver-Gilt) is a moving and inspirational space inspired by the resilience and ingenuity of refugees living in Domiz camp in Northern Iraq.Designed by relative newcomer to the industry, Tom Massey, the garden is thoughtful and thought provoking.(Above)

Possibly my absolute favourite, The Trailfinders South African Wine Estate garden designed by another Chelsea newcomer Jonathan Snow. (Silver-Gilt) The winelands of South Africa’s Western Cape are instantly recognisable and I felt the whole design works wonderfully.(above)

A cool, reflective space to sit and enjoy the outdoors in the VTB Capital Garden – Spirit of Cornwall by designer Stuart Charles Towner. (Silver-Gilt). A beautifully multi-sensory garden inspired by British sculptor Barbara Hepworth, the garden really does feel sub-tropical with a lovely water feature to help you feel cool.(above)

The David Harber and Savills Garden designed by Nic Howard (Bronze) has plenty to see with different layers representing mankind’s evolving relationship with the environment. Special sculpture by David Harber – a garden that really draws the eye right into the Aeon sculpture representing earth’s nucleus of energy.(above)

Just a small section of the Wuhan Water Garden, China designed by Laurie Chetwood and Patgrick Collins (Bronze). As a large garden on the triangle site, you can see right round the garden. Each area conveys a journey through the contrasting natural landscape of Hubei Province. A complex but very interesting design. Loved the water feature.

Photo credits: All photographs are strictly © EmmaJCampbell Photography/Reckless Gardener.