After months of planning, designing, and growing, all of the hard work paid off as Burncoose Nurseries received the news that they have been awarded a Silver-Gilt Medal for their garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Designed by Christine Alford and Louisa Lazarowicz, The Burncoose Nurseries garden, ‘Burncoose Nurseries in a Cornish Landscape’, which is once again supported by Terra Firma, showcases how gardens in Cornwall are shaped by the landscape and history. The design also celebrates how, at times, the garden does not end at the boundary line, but takes in the larger picture of its surrounding landscape.
The garden features planting inspired by the diverse Cornish landscape, with each side of the stand showcasing plants that flourish in the varied conditions and environments found in Cornwall.
The garden of West Cornwall’s Minack Theatre at Porthcurno is the inspiration for the coastal element of the stand. Another section is filled with plants that would be found in a garden set in an old Cornish estate.
The creative design team recreated the rolling hills, valleys, creeks, rivers, and awe inspiring seascapes through the clever use of a central glass sculpture, designed by Cornwall-based stained glass artist, Ali Gibson. The three large glass panels used, which represent the beach, sea and sky, are enriched with colours that emulate those found in the Cornish landscape.
Commenting on the win, Charles Williams, owner of Burncoose Nurseries and recent recipient of the much-coveted Victoria Medal of Honour from the RHS said, “A medal at Chelsea Flower Show is an honour and testament to all the hard work of everyone involved. I’d like to thank the team 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.”
The Burncoose Nurseries garden is once again supported by Terra Firma, 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, Felicity Kendal, visited the Burncoose stand.
Commenting on the garden, Felicity said, “This beautiful garden wonderfully represents how our environment helps to shape our view of the world. It also illustrates how our view of the world can change if we see if from a different perspective. As a Prince’s Trust Ambassador, supporting young people in improving their lives, this really strikes a chord with me.”
Guy Hands, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Terra Firma, added, “Once again the Burncoose Nurseries show team have created a beautiful garden. The stand this year encapsulates the diversity and beauty of the Cornish landscape and its gardens. Garden design trends are ever evolving so it’s fantastic to look back and remind ourselves of the heritage of garden design and the influence our landscape has on shaping our gardens. We are very proud to be supporting Burncoose Nurseries, and to also take this opportunity to highlight the great work being done by the Prince’s Trust.”
Terra Firma has sponsored the Burncoose Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show since 2003. Terra Firma is 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 GPF 188.