This was Robert’s sixth Main Avenue show garden at Chelsea. The design was inspired by Brewin Dolphin’s ethos as a British company: bespoke and innovative, but firmly rooted in past traditions.
The Brewin Dolphin Garden, RHS Chelsea 2013
“We love the design and planting – we felt [the garden] should win gold and are so pleased that all his great work has received the recognition it deserves. We would like to thank Robert and his team for creating such a beautiful space, but also for making it look absolutely effortless.”
01 Our Vision
The central idea was to design a calm, reflective, private garden that was also inspiring. The simple, geometric layout of stone, timber, water and planting created various spaces for relaxation and informal entertainment, reflecting the importance that Brewin Dolphin places on personal relationships and conviviality. The garden also reflected the main themes chosen for the Show’s centenary year including urban living, regeneration and local wildlife. The design created a strong composition of crisp forms and layered planes, combined with sculptural and textural planting drawn from a palette of British native species.
02 Our Process
Chelsea Show gardens take at least nine months to develop, from start to finish: Robert first met with directors from Brewin Dolphin in July 2012 to discuss their requirements. To add to the stress of the final build-up, the first part of 2013 was a very tough year for gardeners and growers across the UK.
03 The Outcome
The garden was awarded a Gold Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society.
