The Mekong comes to Chelsea

Viking Cruises returns to the 2016 RHS Chelsea Flower Show with a Mekong-inspired Artisan garden designed by Sarah Eberle.

Capturing the colour, energy and local experiences along the Mekong River in South East Asia, the garden will reflect the floating gardens found along the riverbank as the Mekong wends its way through Cambodia taking its cues from the silk-weaving and fishing undertaken by communities along the route.

The garden, mainly made up of water with a small deck to a ‘floating’ lounger styled on a traditional fishing boat, will feature an overhead cantilevered parasol inspired by traditional fishing nets. The floating beds will contain a mixture of food stuffs and flowers for cutting within a water side matrix.

Sponsor, Viking Cruises, has sailed cruise ships down the Mekong for several years on its ‘Magnificent Mekong’ itinerary, forging links with groups and communities en route, who have acted as Sarah’s inspiration for the design.

Sarah, (pictured left) a member of the Landscape Institute, has won numerous awards including eight RHS Gold Medals, including Best in Show at Chelsea in 2007.

“The Mekong is a fascinating river with an interesting horticulture,” says Sarah. “This garden give a taste for the adventures you can experience while travelling down the river and should offer visitors at Chelsea next year a moment to reflect on a different culture and way of life.

“Experiencing the mighty Mekong first hand has been a lifelong ambition, which Viking Cruises is helping me to fulfil when I travel down the river shortly to help fuel my creative process and to get under the skin of this incredible and diverse area.”

The Artisan category at RHS Chelsea is very popular with visitors and I feel sure that Sarah’s design will be both interesting as well as stunning.