Ochre Mines Landscape Planting Team

A landscape narrative focused on the quiet regeneration of the ochre mines. After decades of the mines being left to nature, they've transformed into an extraordinary otherwordly landscape.

Designed by James Basson as the grand finale to and celebration of Project Giving Back at RHS Chelsea Flower show, built by the skilled team from Mark Whyman and rendered by Guy Valentine. It's been an amazing experience being part of the planting team to bring this idea to life.

Mesmerizing watching the sun move across the warm, earth-toned structures and pockets of planting. Piercing through the canopies, casting a delicate glow over the garden, as the shadows dance across the undulating landscape forms, bringing a deep feeling of calm, curiosity and joy.

As the day swings by, the shifting light uncovers hidden textures in the sculpted terrain, each new angle of the sun reveals a fresh perspective, inviting a quiet moment of contemplation, a space that challenges the standard perceptions of what a show garden can be.

The visitors were thrilled to hear that this stunning design was inspired by an existing landscape in the South of France.

Images here show some of the plants selected by James Basson to be used in the garden. It was great fun working with these plants and seeing them chaneg over the weeks, with lots of beautiful and interesting details, especially seeing the beautiful little purple Latuca Perennis open and flower during the show week.

Other plants here include Linaria, Asphodelus, Sanguisorbia, Dianthus, Umbilicus and Linum. Kelways supplied the plants and Crocus supplied the trees and shrubs.

It's been incredible to see this talented team come together to bring James’ vision for the stunning Ochre Mines-inspired garden to life. The Garden presents a dramatic and vivid landscape never before seen at Chelsea. Just as James is known for challenging perceptions of what landscape design can be, Project Giving Back has pushed the boundaries of what RHS Chelsea can achieve for charities, bringing their stories to the heart of the event.

Being surrounded by so much skill, creativity, hard work and passion has been an inspiring experience, and I’ve loved being part of the journey.

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