From Cornwall to Chelsea - Riding a Wave

Cornwall – a county famed for cream teas, pasties, sunshine and surfing. It is probably inevitable any garden taking inspiration from this region would include a nod to its waves and the Spirit of Cornwall does just that. Though maybe not the waves you might be expecting.

Following all the positive feedback we’ve received so far, we are excited to reveal more about the features our RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden will boast in 2018.


RDC Landscapes - The Spirit of Cornwall
RDC Landscapes - The Spirit of Cornwall
RDC Landscapes - The Spirit of Cornwall

In a garden conceived for a sculptor and a composer, award-winning designer Stuart Charles Towner has perfectly brought both inspirations together in a wave. Imagined and created by the talented architects at Studio Evans Lane, large metal spines become a physical representation of music as they take the form of a soundwave. A unique expression of sound and art, the soundwave flows through the garden before peaking to form the pavilion.

Created as a place to compose and perform, the pavilion provides plenty of atmosphere for the arts. More metal spines make up its sides along with chainmail curtains, which can be adjusted to give varying levels of enclosure – perfect for everything from public performances to personal musing. We’re really looking forward to putting the pavilion together and especially topping it off with its huge spun steel dish. Again made by Studio Evans Lane, with a diameter of 4.1m the pavilion’s roof is going to be a striking sight.


RDC Landscapes - The Spirit of Cornwall
RDC Landscapes - The Spirit of Cornwall
RDC Landscapes - The Spirit of Cornwall

The roof is functional as well as funky though, bringing us nicely back to waves again – oceanic ones this time. Reflecting the sea views from Barbara Hepworth’s own garden, the metal dish forms a reservoir which sees water fall via a sheet of glass to the pond below, constantly circulating and calling on your senses.

As our work at SW1 begins, we’re hoping the rain will stop so we can concentrate on the waves that matter and build our finest show garden ever.