Alive and digging

The British garden is definitely alive and well, says Val

- Val Bourne

A FEW weeks ago, a national newspaper asked me to write a column about the apparent demise of the British garden, based on two previous articles by nongardeners. One featured the widespread use of plastic grass in North Kensington, London, which I pointed out was hardly appropriate to the rest of us. I can understand why those with shady courtyards in urban environments might resort to this, though. After all, it graces the parterre at the National Trust’s Cliveden in Buckinghamshire. Real grass dies under constant footfall and creates a slip hazard.

The other article reported that the Royal Horticultural Society was going back to plants at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, by making every garden devote 75% of its space to plants. This was an inaccurate statement. It only referred to four new gardens in the Great Pavilion entitled All about Plants. Four new designers will promote a different UK charity, tackling subjects like fast fashion, mental health in motherhood and the wonders of the natural world. It’s a great opportunity for four rookie designers to go on to greater things.