To celebrate 100 years since the Commonwealth War Graves Commission was founded by the Royal Charter, David Domoney is creating a garden which can be accessed through an imposing circular arch, with a raised platform offering an overall view of the garden and an area of contemplation. This garden is sponsored by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the plant supplier is Hortus Loci.
Q&A with the garden designer, David Domoney:
When did you first start working on the original design and how long did it take to perfect?
David started the design last year. It was a big responsibility as David’s grandfather fought in the first world war both First in the Battle of Le Cateau, where he was wounded, and then he returned to France and fought in the Somme, holding the line north of the river Ancre, where he was hit by German shelling and badly wounded again. He survived. David has crafted a garden which will encapsulate the visitor and offer a tranquil place to reflect & remember.
What are the stand out features of this particular garden?
The bricks used in the Chelsea garden are Flanders bricks taken from the stock made for the restoration of the Theipval memorial site on the battle fields of the Somme. The garden has components from five different allied countries: the brickwork and metalwork comes from France, carpentry from Belgium, engraving from Turkey, flowering bulbs from Holland, and stone from Dorset, England. In the garden there will be 154 engraved metal leaves; each leaf will represent a country with a war grave site. The wreath entrance arch, which is to be hand crafted in France, is an interpretation of a famous Bronze Wreath in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, and is also the centenary logo for this year.
Did the sponsor provide a detailed brief? If so, how did you interpret this within your design?
It was a tough brief trying to create the essence of the CWGC into a show garden which in comparison is considerably smaller than a CWGC site. David has fused the hard landscaping, much of which has been created by the Artisan craftsmen in France/Belgium located near the old battlefields, with the soft textures and colours of the planting.
What is so special about having a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show?
If David is to gain favour with the Judges this garden it would bring his RHS medal total to 30. He already has two best in category trophies. David has created medal winning exhibits on most of the RHS categories, show garden, small garden, floral exhibit, show feature, science & discovery.
How do you hope the public/visitors will perceive this garden?
For many their grandparents or great grandparents had an involvement in these wars, remembrance could be an emotional moment. David hopes that the garden evokes a sense of respect for the enormous sacrifice many made for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Q&A with the contractor, Arun Landscapes:
What are you most looking forward to about the build?
It’s great working with David Domoney again. We have built several of his designs at the RHS shows over the years. It’s also nice to be back creating gardens at Chelsea. It’s been 10 years since my last garden build at that particular show.
What’s going to be the biggest challenge on the build?
Time scales are always tight at a Chelsea build but with the Artisan garden section we are not allowed to penetrate the ground so that brings a whole new set of challenges.
Are specialist contractors required for any elements?
On site it’s just my team but before we arrive we have used specialist stone cutters in Belgium turning recycled head stones into paving and the bricks are handmade Flanders bricks from France.
If you could take one thing away with you from this garden, what would it be?
As always it’s the experience, every garden is different.
Do you think the judges have enough knowledge of the complexity of construction when deciding on the medals?
As an RHS judge myself I can first hand say that the panel is full of experience needed for every garden.
David Richardson, director of horticulure at CWGC, said: “As a global organisation with more than 850 gardening staff and an unrivalled reputation for horticultural excellence it’s a wonderful opportunity to be exhibiting at Chelsea and working with David Domoney.”
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