This was also one of the few gardens that we could actually imagine being a real family garden, many of the other show gardens felt much more like hotel, office or embassy gardens, interesting and stunning in their own right but not somewhere to relax in a private garden. The Trailfinders Australian Garden however embraced exotic plants, a line of towering Washingtonia palms cuts through the garden, Cycas revoluta, Chamaerops humilis, Aspidistra elatior, Philodendron "Xanadu" and others all enhanced the tropical feel. The sun helped of course, as we had the first really warm day of the year yesterday. Many of the plants in the garden we have in our garden, and whilst many are not hardy enough for the UK for permanent planting, they can be pot grown or substituted to recreate the same look.
As I mentioned in our Chelsea roundup yesterday we were invited to enter the garden and have a closer look.
Now I like that bowl, we have smaller bowls of succulents in our garden, but one this size would be very dramatic.
Open sided heater in the middle of the pavilion allows a view from the bath tub into the garden!
Every garden should have one..
Outdoor shower, screened by Rhapis excelsa palms
mmmmm bubbles!
BBQ... by Porsche
Understandably designer Jason Hodges was disappointed not to win a Gold Medal for the garden, instead having to settle for Silver Gilt. Despite his disappointment he still explained in detail the concept for the garden, in that its a family garden, representing "his Australia". Tucked away was a pizza oven, something that wouldn't be noticed by the public, but Jason explained that growing up his neighbours were of Italian origin, and he would enjoy going next door for pizza and pasta, these small touches really gave the garden a personal touch.
Designer Jason Hodges (Right) with two familiar faces
One of our favorite gardens of the show, its great to see so many exotics being used.Gaz
Flemings Nursery Website
