Chelsea Show Garden Is A Celebration And A Military Tribute

A century of gardening excellence is being celebrated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Employing 850 gardeners in more than 150 countries makes the CWGC one of the largest horticultural organisations in the world.

Funded by private donations and designed by horticulturist David Domoney in collaboration with CWGC Director of Horticulture David Richardson, the Artisan Garden is a celebration of the continuing role of the CWGC in its centenary year and pays tribute to the 1.7 million Commonwealth servicemen and women commemorated by the organisation.

CWGC Director General Victoria Wallace said: “Our Artisan Garden celebrates the skills and workmanship of our international teams, and will provide a lasting focus of reflection and commemoration as it tours in our member states after the show.”

The garden uses plant species from CWGC sites around the world.

The entrance arch was created at the CWGC’s workshop in Ieper, Belgium, topped with a silver crown referencing the Commission’s historical links with empire.

The steelwork – the railings, steel trees and leaves – was hand-forged by CWGC blacksmiths at the workshop in Beaurains, France.

The Portland stone steps and coping stones are made from reclaimed First World War headstones, the two statues standing guard have been recycled from the CWGC Portsmouth Naval Memorial and the hand-made red bricks are from stock used to repair the iconic CWGC Thiepval Memorial, on the Somme, last year. 

A convex mirror within the hedge at the rear of the garden lets visitors see themselves within the space.

A central seat is topped with 100-year-old oak and contains the Commission’s badge carved in stone.

The garden itself uses familiar plant species frequently seen in CWGC cemeteries in northern Europe, with pale flowers, lush foliage, herbaceous and alpine plants and a calming palette of colours.

The Chelsea Flower Show is open from today until Saturday.

:: A  service of thanksgiving will be held at Westminster Abbey today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CWGC during the darkest days of the First World War.