Welcome to "Feel Good about Gardening"

Jim Keelings stunning sculpture based on cypresses by Van Gogh, rises from a planting of Rhododendron "Glowing Embers", Physocarpus "Diable D'or" and Heuchera "Peach Flambe".

The smoky foliage of Acacia baileyana "purpurea" softens the stone of the monument in the background. This striking spectacle will greet visitors as they enter the Great Pavilion.

CORE VALUES

Tom Stogden's circle of slate provides the focal point in the Core Values Garden. It shows up beautifully with the soft silver and blue planting which includes Eucalyptus gunnii, Helichrysum "korma", Ceanothus "Concha", Salvia officinalis purpurescens and Aquilegia "Blue Barlow".

The long needled Pinus wallichiana and an architectural Abies numidica provide the height in the foreground. Pink roses "Cariad" and "Wild Edric" at the edge of the planting blend the garden into the surrounding areas

GARDEN OF CONTEMPLATION

A stone buddha sits amidst the cool green and white planting in the Garden of Contemplation. Green and white is always a favourite colour scheme at Chelsea, and it works particularly well in this tiny secluded garden.

Looking through the arching branches of Cornus contraversa 'variegata' and Cornus "Porlock" with its creamy-white bracts, the elegant white blooms of Zantedeschia aethiopica light up the green leaves of ferns and Fatsias.

Variegated Hostas carry the green and white colour when the blooms of Viburnum plicatum "Mariesii" fade from its horizontal branches.

In the foreground the fluffy white flowers of Centranthus ruber "Albus" contrast with the sleek black glazed boat shaped planters carpeted with Sedums

INDULGENCE GARDEN

Pieris, Rhododendrons and Heucheras form a rich carpet beneath the crimson flowers of the Chilean Lantern Tree, Crinodendron hookerianum.

Although this garden is a tiny space the low stone table and large paving stones give an illusion of a much bigger outdoor room. The spiky form of Cordyline "Southern Splendour" is a bright contrast against the purple foliage of beech and cotinus.

FLEX ON A DECK

The green gym turns yellow in the Flex on a Deck garden, this is the ultimate outdoor workout space, with uplifting planting of yellow foliage and golden flowers. Cytisus praecox "Allgold" and Rhodendron "Northern Highlights" provide bright seasonal colour. Lime green Heuchera "Key Lime Pie", golden feverfew, marjoram and gold variegated sage add a lively aromatic element to the planting.

Enter the deck over a carpet of Thymus "Archers Gold", or leave via the log stepping stones which lead into the tone up trail.

SHARE THE FEELGOOD FACTOR

This garden is a relaxing summery retreat to inspire visitors to reveal what makes them feel good about gardening. The colours of a warm summer afternoon are brought to life with Rosa "Ballerina", Rosa "Harlow Carr", Verbascum "Jackie in the Pink" and Syringa x josiflexa Bellicent. A beautiful Cornus kousa "Satomi" frames the damson arbour.

Silver Convolvulus cneorum and the soft white green and pink Acer "Marlo" complete the picture.

In the foreground the colour becomes richer with the purple Syringa "Andenken an Ludwig Spath" and Rhododendron "Purple Passion".

TEAM PICTURE

The Hillier Chelsea Team 2011 in patriotic and celebratory mode as the exhibit nears completion on Saturday evening

FLIKR PHOTOSTREAM

CHELSEA 2011 - Feel Good about Gardening
CHELSEA LIVE : NEW PLANTS : PRESS AND MEDIA : MEET THE TEAM : DESIGNERS DIARY
SPONSORS AND SUPPLIERS : CHELSEA ARCHIVE
CHELSEA SHOW STEALERS - some of our favourites