The Chelsea Flower Show has been showcasing all that’s new in horticulture and the best of the traditional for almost a century. This year one of the courtyard gardens designed by Pat Fox from Aralia Garden Design will display not only horticultural innovation with a living wall but also the ultimate in eco friendly lighting, sound and entertainment systems designed by Neil Gaffan of Saffron Waldon based Eco-Lutions.

The garden will boast an impressive Chelsea Flower Show first and possibly even a first at any major world flower show – a living wall planted with edible crops. All plants for the wall have been grown hydroponically – using mineral nutrient solutions, in rock wool rather than soil. Green walling is relatively under-developed in the UK and Pat hopes that her garden can demonstrate to the public the advantages – the principle one being a reduction of thermal loading on the building fabric, heat island reduction, storm-water attenuation, noise reduction, urban ecology, air purification and psychological well being of urban dwellers and with Pat’s garden the exciting opportunity to produce food.

Pat Fox

Neil has worked with Pat to enhance the design of the garden with subtle use of the very latest in low energy usage lighting for the entire garden, ensuring that this outdoor space will not impact negatively on the environment and without using enormous amounts of electrical energy it will be both functional and striking at night. The use of LED lights and innovative effects will give this garden a magical impact, from glowing precious stone work tops to ‘texture lit’ vertical herb walls, this garden will be a work of art, as well as a fully functional garden kitchen.