The Daylesford Organic Garden at the 2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Date: 19th - 24th May
Location: Royal Hospital, Chelsea (map)
Garden no.: MA/4 Stand: SR22
More info: www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea
Press contact: Camilla Wilson (email)

Summer Solstice – from the heart, from the earth

“I conceived this garden as a living illustration of our philosophy that farming, and growing plants, leads to a richer, more fulfilling life. Cultivation of the soil puts us in touch with nature, and through nature, I think we achieve a sense of spiritual connection, too. A gardener who grows what he eats has a feeling of belonging, which is precious and irreplaceable. Being in harmony with the seasons, and respecting the soil itself, brings meaning to our alienating modern world. I hope our garden will inspire people – and especially children – to discover the feel of pushing a seed into the soil; the excitement of that first tiny green shoot; the wonderful taste of something just picked from the earth. It’s our chance to re-establish our connection with the rhythms of nature; to grow, and give thanks for, our daily bread.”

-Carole Bamford, founder Daylesford Organic

A wheat field, the central focus of the garden is studded with cornflowers and the wild flowers that are such an eloquent testament to unpolluted organic soil.

Why Summer Solstice?

Summer Solstice marks the first day of summer. It is also the longest day of the year. It is the time of year when the soil and nature work in harmony to produce an abundance of crops, fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers.

The inspiration?

It is the vision of Carole Bamford, the founder of Daylesford Organic and she is leading a team to create a garden which demonstrates her philosophy and that of Daylesford Organic - nurturing the soil for future generations and in turn providing food that is organic, natural, seasonal and fresh.

Is this Daylesford Organic’s first time at the Chelsea Flower Show?

It is the first time that Daylesford Organic has created a show garden, however there has been a Daylesford Organic stand for the last two years and you will find us there again this year. Trade stand SR22.

Tips for a sustainable garden...window box...allotment

Rotation and companion planting

Rotating your groups of vegetables and ‘companion’ planting utilises the natural properties of some plants to enhance the productivity of others. Here are 3 easy planting steps:

Borage to deter many pests and attract useful insects
Nasturtiums to manage aphids, pumpkin beetles, squash beetles, cabbage moths, potato beetles and whiteflies
Chamomile to accumulate useful trace elements, improve the flavour of vegetables and improve the crop size of onions

The Daylesford Organic Garden at the 2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Showaddthis_pub = 'Daylesford';