Our speaker today was Tom Hoblyn, a landscape and garden designer in classical designs for contemporary lifestyles, who spoke to us about his Chelsea Garden 2012.

He was approached by Arthritis Research UK and his brief was "Rebirth".

Tom explained he was inspired by the great Renaissance Gardens of Italy - Villa Lante and Villa d'este. An application to the RHS followed and this was accepted.

He explained about sourcing plants, trees, which involved a few trips to Italy and Spain, English nurseries also grew and supplied plants for him, and hard landscaping which involved more trips to Italy.

The garden was awarded a silver gilt medal. It was also the People's Choice Award winner for Best Show Garden. Details can be found on Tom's website www.thomashoblyn.com.

A full report will appear in our next newlsetter.

(Click on pic for slideshow)
Photographs by Linda Hall