Burncoose Nurseries win Silver-Gilt at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
After months of planning, designing and growing, all the hard work paid off this morning, as the Burncoose Nurseries team received the news they have been awarded a Silver-Gilt Medal for their garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Designed by Christine Alford and Louisa Lazarowicz, with support from Gerladine Hood-Leeder, The Burncoose Nurseries garden, ‘Plants from People’s Past’, which is once again supported by Terra Firma, is a sensory memory garden, designed to support people living with dementia.
This is a subject particularly close to the heart of Burncoose Nurseries’ owner, Charles Williams, whose father and dedicated horticulturalist, Julian Williams CBE, sadly passed away earlier this year, after suffering from dementia for a decade.
According to The Alzheimer’s Society, more than 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, with numbers set to rise to more than one million by 2025.
Research suggests triggering long term memory in dementia sufferers can be an effective way to support memory therapy. Based on this theory, and the Williams family’s personal experience, the Burncoose garden focuses on textures, fragrance and colour combinations that create a calm and enjoyable environment, intended to trigger those long term memories.
Charles Williams, owner of Burncoose Nurseries said, “The team have worked extremely hard this year to create a garden that not only looks spectacular but can provide real inspiration for people looking to support loved ones suffering with dementia. I’m delighted the team’s efforts have been recognised with a Silver-Gilt medal. I’d like to thank them all for their efforts in bringing the garden to life and I’d also like to thank Terra Firma for their continued support of Burncoose Nurseries at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.”
Terra Firma, is one of Europe’s leading private equity firms. Terra Firma is also a patron of youth charity The Prince’s Trust and uses its sponsorship at RHS Chelsea to support the work of the charity. This year’s Prince’s Trust Ambassador and Actress, Susan Hampshire CBE, visited the Burncoose stand, she said, “I was honoured to represent The Prince’s Trust and visit the Burncoose stand, it is beautiful. The garden has real meaning, which I am sure resonates with many people, myself included. My husband has had dementia for the past 11 years, so the garden theme is very dear to me. I recognise and appreciate the care and attention the team has put into creating such a wonderful garden.
"We all know how challenging dementia is, so anything we can do to ease the suffering of those living with the disease, and those caring for sufferers, should be encouraged. Congratulations to the team on their well-deserved Silver-Gilt medal.”
Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Terra Firma, Guy Hands, added, “Once again the Burncoose Nurseries show team have created a beautiful garden. The stand this year goes beyond showcasing world class garden design. This year the garden has more meaning. It is a garden that prompts memory and ultimately can help improve the quality of life for those living with dementia. We can all take inspiration from this garden and use the ideas in our own gardens to support family members or friends who may be suffering with dementia.”
The Plants from People’s Past garden uses a collection of plants to trigger memories and create a garden setting in which the enjoyment of reminiscing fond memories can take place. It features plants like foxgloves, old shrub roses, rosemary and lemon verbena, alongside larger woodland garden plants such as rhododendrons, cornus, enkianthus and stewartias. The stand also includes a circular path, typical of a sensory garden, along with several raised beds.
Terra Firma has sponsored the Burncoose Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show since 2003. Terra Firma is also a Patron of The Prince’s Trust and its support has helped disadvantaged young people through The Prince's Trust Enterprise programme.
The Burncoose exhibit is located in the Great Pavilion
Stand number GPE 199.
