Great stainless steel contains that are perfect for massing sysrinchium in. Hard wearing, weatherproof stainless steel without a lip to the edge. Stunning mirror or brushed finish.
40 x 40 x 40cm £90 30 x 30 x 30cm £65 20 x 20 x 20cm £45
23/05/2008
PLANT OF THE MONTH (2)
SYSRINCHIUM STRIATUM 'AUNT MAY'
A unique plant with super stripy cream/grey leaves. In late spring/early summer it has pale cream flowers along the stems. Loves full sun.
Looks amazing planted in blocks in gravel or in formal containers.
22/05/2008
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW (2)
PEMBERTON GREENISH RECESS GARDEN
A really great garden that takes account of the needs of the yard owner. The garden is sunk to create privacy and the water feature baffles external noise. The planting is predominatly grasses with some perennials. Seating is incorporated into the design so there is no problem with storage. This is a real garden not just a show garden.
Design inspiration
Paul Hensey says: "Perhaps unusually for a garden designer, I have a background in product design so I'm as likely to look for inspiration in man-made as well as natural forms. I love looking at architecture and exhibition spaces.
"I'm also very methodical. We don't design showy, 'theatrical' gardens or spaces that are out of proportion for their intended use or the space they need to fit. So the Chelsea garden was always going to be a real, complete garden that could exist if dropped into an identical space in someone's back yard."
Neil Lucas says: "As a plantsman I naturally look at the suitability of any plant to its situation, and many grasses are ideal urban plants requiring very little maintenance and are able to work in almost any situation.
"I have been wanting to develop our theme of 'right plant - right place' at Chelsea for some time, so I am really excited by the opportunity the garden will provide to show how some of the grasses we have featured on our Chelsea stand over the last six years might work in a garden setting."
Designer: Paul Hensey and Neil Lucas
SATELLITE
Stunning new fuchsia for 2008, Fuchsia Satellite - its four corolla petals look like tiny satellites orbiting the stigma. Wonderful carmine colour with a semi-trailing habit. Plant in a tall container to get the best view.
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW (1)
GAVIN JONES GARDEN OF CORIAN
One of the more interesting gardens at Chelsea this year is Phillip Nash's Gavin Jones garden of Corian. It is a contemporary garden that is designed as a retreat but also as a spce to entertain. The main walkways are elevated and lead to a 'floating island' at one end and a terrace with 'satillite' seating at the other.
By raising hard landscaping above planting, which is easy to do with decking or mesh grid, it allows for more planting in a small space as shade lovers can grow under the raised area, and gives a different perspective on the garden.
"I have focused on the innovative use of contemporary materials and progressive design. My signature palette of architectural plants, combined with beautiful water features, will create a lush, exuberant oasis and a sensually stimulating outdoor area. I wanted to push the boundaries of design and I have done this by creating an organic walkway, furniture and walls. The British sculptor, Tim Morgan, has worked collaboratively with me to produce a series of tubular glass waterscreens and an overhead stainless steel sculptural canopy." Phillip Nash.
19/05/2008
LET THE SUN SHINE
THE BCK SOLAR COOKER
The BCK Solar Cooker is foldable and portable container used for cooking food outdoors. It requires only water and sunlight. When set up, the cooker is conical in shape. The conical reflection shield reflects the sun into the centre of the cone, where a black cylindrical container collects the heat. After about 45 minutes, the temperature of the food is around 90 degrees Celcius........the size of the cooker is very small: 250mm in height and 130mm in diameter.
17/05/2008
GROOVY
WOW SIMPLE & STYLISH > THE KETCH TEAK BENCH FROM www.pavilionrattan.co.uk
15/05/2008
THE YAKIBOX
Yakiniku (literally: grill, meat)
A selection of meat and vegetables are thinly sliced and cooked quickly on a stone hotplate, then dipped into delicious, authentic sauces and eaten in small mouthfuls.
It is not like cooking on a bbq as the food is cooked on the stone hotplate and therefore is not in direct contact with the flame. The hotplate is placed in the centre of the table so all the diners can cook their own food and then dip in the sauces. Great for diner parties on balmy summer nights in the yard!
www.yakibox.com £79.95
13/05/2008
BUCKS FIZZ
Not long ago 'posh' garden furniture was adorned with mellow terracotta cushions and parasols - this year WAM we have upgraded to stunning orange that gives a bright citrus glow to the patio whatever the British summer brings!
B & Q Rio 6pce Set £67.58 www.diy.com
Focus Antigua 6 pce Set £119.99 www.focusdiy.co.uk
12/05/2008
ANGELS HIGH
My angelica, Angelica archangelica, was planted last spring as a small plant in a 9cm pot costing £2.29. It grew last year producing a mound of foliage. This years it's reached nearly two metres with large globular umbels of flower. A true architectual wonder and a perfect feature for the small garden.
