The London Square Community Garden Chelsea 2023

James was delighted to be back at Chelsea Flower Show in May 2023 with experienced developer London Square winning a GOLD Medal in the Sanctuary garden category. This was James's first judged garden and the whole team were delighted with the result. We were also fortunate to be visited by King Charles & Queen Camilla, a truly memorable and proud moment.

Bringing together a community is the thread running through this garden, where people can meet, relax, share food and connect with nature. Two distinct areas combine to make this happen. There’s a welcoming meeting space under a pergola with an outdoor kitchen, a big communal table inset with chess and draughts boards and individually styled upcycled chairs by The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades furniture restorers, with raised beds containing edible herbs and vegetables for cooking.

The story behind this garden began at a London-wide Open Gardens Weekend where event sponsors London Square were inspired by the volunteers on the Doddington estate in Battersea, who had created a half-acre community garden using donated trees, shrubs, perennials and edibles – a green oasis tucked between the tower blocks.

In a peaceful planted area, a large swing seat in dappled shade is an idyllic spot to chat or daydream or read a book from the garden bookcase.  Planting here is lush and green with a sprinkling of flowering species and more sun loving plants towards the front of the garden. 

In a loop back to its inception, after the show elements of the London Square Community Garden will be relocated to the Doddington & Rollo Community Roof Garden in Battersea, reflecting London Square’s commitment to promoting green spaces for local communities. In fact many volunteers from the roof garden helped with the implementation of the planting during the build process and this made the garden all the more special.

The Landscaping Consultants who have significant experience building award winning gardens at Chelsea constructed the the garden and we were delighted to achieve a Gold Medal together.  This was my first time being judged on a show garden making it all the more special.  

CONTRIBUTORS
Sponsor - London Square Developments
https://londonsquare.co.uk/

Contractor - The Landscaping Consultants
https://www.thelandscapingconsultants.co.uk/

​Doddington & Rollo Roof Garden - Doddington and Rollo Community Roof Garden
https://www.drgardens.org/

​Planting - Hortus Loci
https://hortusloci.co.uk/

​Trees - Deepdale Trees
https://www.deepdale-trees.co.uk/

​Swing Seat - Gaze Burvill
https://www.gazeburvill.com/

​Lighting - Landscape Plus
https://landscapeplus.com/

​Joinery - Alan Hayward Joinery
https://alan-hayward.co.uk/

​Paving  - Johnsons Wellfield
https://www.johnsons-wellfield.co.uk/

​Dining Table - Diespeker
https://www.diespeker.co.uk/

​Feature Chairs - Jay & Co with Fabrics by Clarke & Clarke
https://www.jayand.co/
https://clarke-clarke.sandersondesigngroup.com/

​Produce Planting- Jon Wheatley & Terry Porter
http://www.stonebarn.uk/

​Metal work - Surrey Ironcraft
http://www.surreyironcraft.com/

Wood Fired Oven - Morso
https://morsoe.com/en/

Pizza Oven - Garden House Design & Delivita
https://www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk/
https://delivita.com/

PLANT LIST
Alchemilla epipsila
Amsonia tabernaemontana salic
Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing'
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Greenapples' 
Asarum europaeum
Asplenium scolopendrium
Asplenium trichomanes
Astrantia Roma
Baptisia 'Sparkling Sapphires' 
Baptisia 'Vanilla Cream'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring'
Carex morrowii irish green
Carex divulsa 
Centaurea montana Grandiflora
Centranthus ruber Albus
Cyrtomium falcatum
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'
Dicentra formosa Aurora
Dryopteris affinis
Epimedium rubrum Galadriel
Erigeron karvinskianus 
Frageria vesca
Gaura lindheimeri
Geranium Johnsons blue
Geranium phaeum 'Album'
Gilenia trifoliata
Hakonechola macra
Hosta Devon Green
Hosta Halcyon
Kirengeshoma palmata
Mahonia soft caress
Nepeta neptune
Pachysandra terminalis
Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours' 
Piminella major 'Rosea'
Polypodium vulgare
Polystichum aculeatum
Polystichum setiferum
Polystichum tsussimense
Polytichum polyblepharum
Sagina subulata
Salvia chamaedryoides
Salvia 'Nachtvlinder'
Sarcococca confusa 
Seslaria nitida 
Stipa tenuissima
Thalictrum 'Nimbus White'
Thymus serpyllum Magic Carpet
Thymus vulgaris Compactus
Trachelospermum jasminoides 

TREES
Amelanchier lamarckii
Cornus kousa Chinensis
Malus Toringo
Magolia sieboldii

HEDGING
Carpinus betulus

CLIMBERS
Rosa Filipes Brenda Colvin
Trachelospermum jasminoides

AQUATIC PLANTS
Iris versicolor 
Iris pseudacorus
Juncus effusus 
Baldellia ranunculoides 
Hippuris vulgaris 
Salvinia Natans floating aquatic
Aponogeton Distachyos 
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PRODUCE
Mixed Herbs & Vegetables 
Kohl rabi
Beetroot
Kale
Chard
Parsley
Oregano
Lavender 
Carrots
Mustard
Chocolate mint
Lemon verbena
Mixed Thyme
Curry plant
Rosemary
Sage
Viola
Salad leaves

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