The Daylesford Organic Garden at the 2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Show

1. WHEAT AND CORNFIELD FLOWERS

Wheat, cornflower, corn chamomile, poppy

Managing the soil, and building its fertility, eliminates our dependence on fossil fuels when producing food. Fertility is built up by applying manure from the farm and rotating cereal crops with leguminous plants such as clover.

The organic wheatfield is an important habitat: annuals like cornflowers and corn chamomile, once commonplace, are now rare because of destruction by broad spectrum herbicides. Arable plants are the most threatened group of plants in Britain, with 54 species rare or threatened and seven already extinct within arable environments. Certain wild animal species act as barometers of the environment; in nature, we would expect this garden and surrounding fields to sustain grey partridges, brown hares, water voles and barn owls.

In the age-old tradition, wheat from last year’s Daylesford harvest is used; according to Darwinian principles it is well suited to the local growing conditions.

2. HEDGEROWS AND TREES

hornbeam, elder, hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, guilder rose, spindle, white willow

Traditional countryside management such as hedge laying and tree pollarding are employed; these fascinating age-old processes are as fresh and relevant as ever. Wisps from pollarding the white willows are woven to make raised beds, a composting area and the ceiling of the garden kitchen.

Hedgerows contribute to manage our water resource and retain biodiversity. A network of hedgerows prevents large field sizes, thereby lessening the potential for surface flow by creating a barrier and encouraging percolation into the ground. Not only does this reduce the threat of flooding but it also means less soil erosion and leaching, thus nutrients remain within the field. The hedges are laid according to the Midland bullock style; a strong barrier originally designed for fields with larger livestock.

3. DITCHES AND MARGINS

Ragged robin, purple loosestrife, water mint, water forget-me-not, white campion, bladder campion, red clover, valerian, brook lime, marsh dog violet, meadow foxtail, daisy, quaking grass, lesser knapweed, basil thyme, common storksbill, sheep’s fescue, meadow fescue, herb Robert, self heal, meadow clary, meadow sacifrage, wild thyme, white clover, germander speedwell, ox-eye daisy, water plantain, flowering rushes, cow parsley, ladies smock, pendulous sedge, crested dogtail, white foxgloves, meadow cranesbill, dame’s violet, yellow flag iris, soft and hard rushes, white deadnettle.

Large fields often use extensive land drainage networks. These speed up the passage of water through the cycle and can exacerbate flooding events. Traditional ditch networks that border small fields can help to drain the field allowing cultivation, whilst also holding back water and facilitating percolation and ground water storage. The water naturally collected in a drainage ditch offers a habitat for typical aquatic species, including useful predators.

There is a margin between the wheat field and ditch. The margin retains habitat for wildflowers and beneficial insects, whilst also acting as a buffer that reduces soil and nutrient runoff into the water course.

4. POTAGER

lemon verbena, chives, white borage, tarragon, artichoke, fennel, bronze fennel, white hyssop, parsley, sage, oregano, thyme, nasturtium, dill, chamomile, mint, nigella, wild strawberries, sweet Alison, broad beans, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, peas, cabbage, curly kale, chard, onion, carrots, lettuce, radish, spring onions, gooseberries, blackcurrants, red currants, white lavender

A vegetable and herb garden, with raised beds edged in woven willow (organically grown and created by Water Willows)from the fields, has been created within the confines of a walled garden. The kitchen garden offers good silty loam, conditioned and enriched by organic practices – rotational planting, composting and wormeries. The appropriate ‘companion’ plants will help minimise the presence of pests and diseases – in keeping with the garden’s organic principles.

The Potager is planted for practicality and productivity, incorporating heritage vegetables, a range of herbs and aromatic plants, fruit trees and bushes. Heritage and rare breeds are integral to the demonstration of organic principles, as their genes hold certain beneficial traits necessary in sustainable system, and once they have been lost (extinct) they will never be replicated.

Planting is predominantly native and sensitive to the season, to show how these ‘constraints’ can be treated not as restrictions but as creative opportunities to spur the gardener’s imagination.

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.